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In Focus
The Arizona Legislature is focused on cutting bureaucratic red tape and getting government out of the people’s way - at least, in every area but one: qualifying a citizen’s initiative for the ballot.
Arizona’s citizen’s initiative process is at the center of a handful of efforts causing a stir at the State Capitol. Depending on where you stand, these proposals are either:
a) Necessary reforms to stop out-of-state special interests from spamming our ballot with bad policy that will be nearly impossible to change down the road; or
b) A shameless attempt by elected officials to trample the Constitutionally-protected right of the people to make laws via the ballot box.
First, there’s HB 2404, sponsored by Rep. Vince Leach (R-Tucson) and supported by business interests, including the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Among reforms proposed in the bill, it would prohibit petition circulators from being paid on a per-signature basis, as well as require signature gatherers to pass a background check and pay a registration fee.
Then, there are the efforts aimed at the Voter Protection Act, which bars the Legislature from altering voter-approved initiatives (other than furthering their purpose). HCR 2002, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita (R-Scottsdale), would repeal Voter Protection altogether. Other measures, HCR 2007 and HB 2320, propose reforms rather than an outright repeal.
Legislative heartburn over the Voter Protection Act and citizens-initiative process itself is nothing new, though voters’ passage of the minimum wage initiative (Prop 206) last fall has created added urgency in some quarters. Stay tuned.
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Arizona's legislature is almost 40 percent women, third highest in the U.S.
With 35 women, Arizona is in the top-five nationwide for women legislators
The State Press
In 2016, 35.6 percent of Arizona legislators were women and now following last year's election, that number has increased to 38.9 percent.
Out of the 50 U.S. states, Arizona has the third highest number of female legislators at 35, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
An ASU alumni and current New York University student James Macdonald, conducted his thesis on female Arizona state senators and their experiences in the legislature. Macdonald wrote “Arizona State Senate: First Hand Accounts of the Female Political Experience in Arizona” in 2015 to 2016, his final year at ASU. His thesis is currently under embargo and will not be shared with the public until next year.
[...] The states with the most women legislators include Vermont (40 percent), Colorado (39 percent), Arizona (38.9 percent), Nevada (38.1 percent) and Illinois (36.7 percent).
[...]
Read more HERE.
SCAM ALERT: “Can You Hear Me?” Calls Reported in Arizona
Press Release February 02, 2017
PHOENIX – Attorney General Mark Brnovich is warning Arizonans to beware of the “Can You Hear Me?” robocall scam. Over the last few days, concerned Arizonans have contacted the Attorney General’s Office to report suspicious calls from someone asking “Can you hear me?”
Here’s how it works: You get a call from someone and there may be some static on the line or fumbling around. The caller then says something like, “I’m having trouble with my headset” and asks “Can you hear me?” Their goal is to get you to answer “Yes.” Scammers use the recorded response to place unauthorized charges on phone, utility, or credit card bills.
“It’s a new twist on an old scam and we need to put an end to it immediately,” said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. "Answering 'Yes' to any question can later be used to make it sound as though you authorized a major purchase.”
Previously, scammers have also asked other questions to get a consumer to say “Yes” such as “Are you the lady of the house?” or “Are you the homeowner?”
In reports to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, consumers say the calls appeared to come from a local phone number.
AG Brnovich offers the following tips to avoid the “Can You Hear Me?” robocall scam:
- Hang up if you receive a suspicious call. If you don’t recognize a phone number, let the calls go to voicemail.
- Don’t reply or interact in any way especially if someone asks “Can you hear me?” Don’t talk to a live person which can lead to more calls. Don’t give details if asked for your personal information.
- Check your utility bill and your bank and credit card statements regularly. If you find suspicious charges, immediately report them to your provider.
If you believe you have been a victim of consumer fraud, please file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office. To do so online, CLICK HERE. Consumers may contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520) 628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at (800) 352-8431.
To sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry, please CLICK HERE (link is external).
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Benson on Sunday SquareOff this weekend!
Tune-in! Veridus Director Matthew Benson, Rep. Reginald Bolding (D-Phoenix), and Capitol Times Reporter Ben Giles talk school desegregation funding, university bonding, and more. The panel will air on 12News at 8 a.m Sunday.
Veridus clients in the news
U.S. Justice Action Network Showcases Justice Reform in State of the State Addresses with New Website
Governors from Coast to Coast Prove #StatesLead on Justice Reform in 2017
Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Justice Action Network announces a new website tracking governors who put justice reform on their agendas through mentions in their 2017 state of the state addresses. As of today, dozens of governors have prioritized justice reform in these landmark speeches. From Arizona to Connecticut, governors from both parties are asking their legislatures to make common sense justice policies that safely reduce incarceration rates and improve public safety an important part of this year's agenda.
This website is designed to serve as a living resource for journalists and policy makers interested in how states are tackling bipartisan justice reforms in the year ahead. The site includes video, full text of the addresses, and press coverage. You can see which governors are discussing reform by visiting the site: State of the States: Justice Reform in Focus.
The U.S. Justice Action Network is monitoring each address in every state, continually updating the site and will also be tweeting content from each speech using the hashtag #StatesLead.
Holly Harris, Executive Director of the U.S. Justice Action Network: “As state legislatures fire up across the country, our focus now turns to the states for common sense justice reforms that have strong support on both sides of the aisle. States have long been home to successful legislative efforts that safely reduce prison populations, increase public safety, and save significant taxpayer dollars. Whether its Missouri or Arizona leaders aiming to give those leaving prison a second chance, or Idaho and Virginia policymakers who are focused on sentencing and treatment alternatives for those with mental health issues, it's clear that achievements in states like Texas, Maryland, Georgia, Connecticut and Oklahoma over the last year have inspired governors across the country looking to fix their broken justice systems. The U.S. Justice Action Network is on the ground in 14 states, and these state of the state addresses are making proven justice reform policies a top priority in statehouses across the country."
Here is a sample of what the governors are saying:
[…]
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey – “We also need to make sure that a second chance really is a second chance... Through efforts, like our community correction centers, we’ve made strides to help bridge the gap. But more is needed. That’s why I am announcing an effort of the governor’s office, to engage the faith and non-profit communities in being advocates for our citizens leaving prison and transitioning back into society. And inside our prisons, we will be adding employment centers to help with things like building a resume, getting a job before the release date.”
Read more HERE.
Viewpoints: The case for Arizona charter schools (or at least school choice)
The Arizona Republic
My children, like all children, are unique. I believe every child deserves an individualized approach to education like my children received – one that meets the distinct academic, emotional and social needs of their educational experience.
As a national advocate for public school choice, I'm frequently asked why the need for public charter schools. My three children serve as a starting point for the answer.
My daughter, now a professional working in our nation’s capital, is a product of private religious schools, public charter schools and public university. My oldest son, currently a junior at Brigham Young University, was well served by traditional district schools. My youngest son, a senior in high school and dual-enrolled in community college, blossomed through a combination of traditional district and public charter schools.
Charter schools, which are public schools, provide choices and options for families. Like traditional district schools, public charter schools are free to attend. They serve as stewards of public trust and public funds. Having a robust mix of district and charter schools available to all allows students and parents to find the individualized education that fits the needs of their children.
More autonomy, but also more accountability
Even in a state such as Arizona, where almost 30 percent of K-12 schools are public charter schools, misconceptions abound: Charter schools are a form of private schools; they don’t meet the same accountability as traditional district schools; they don’t serve special education students; they divert funds from traditional district schools; and charter schools can selectively enroll students, taking only the “cream of the crop.”
Arizona laws provide public charter schools more autonomy, with the ability to quickly innovate to meet the needs of local parents and students. In exchange, they must meet greater accountability for improved student achievement.
Like their traditional district counterparts, public charter schools must participate in standardized state assessments that measure and report student proficiency and growth. Additionally, public charter schools are monitored and reviewed by the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools. Since the 2009-10 school year, these reviews have resulted in 96 charter schools being closed due to poor academic performance; as opposed to zero traditional district schools closed for the same reason.
Public charter schools must meet all state, local and federal laws regarding health, safety and civil rights. These schools must submit independent financial audits to the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools.
They must comply with all provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and submit annual demographic, ethnicity and enrollment counts throughout the year, the latter of which determines funding.
[...]
What school choice does for the vulnerable
Despite the challenges of greater accountability and less funding than traditional district schools, public charter schools can be the access point to educational equity for our most vulnerable children.
Poverty, learning disabilities, family issues and lack of resources become barriers to academic achievement. In many cases, public charter schools are not a second chance – but the only chance – at an education that empowers academic attainment and a path to college and career readiness.
In my national non-profit charter school organization, 61 percent of our 60 campuses are urban schools, serving a 65 percent minority population. Like many public charter schools, we choose to operate in neighborhoods where students are traditionally underserved and under-resourced. The impact can literally be life changing.
[...]
What we need to be successful
Public school choice is intended to empower the destiny in every child. Access to quality educational options of all kinds – traditional district and public charter – gives students the choice and chance to become successful in school and in life.
[...]
Every student deserves the right and the opportunity to rise above educational inequity. Every child must have an effective education that empowers success. And each student needs the chance to walk confidently into a future filled with purpose and hope.
With continued choice in public school options and prioritizing investments into public education, we can deliver on this promise to our children. Destiny demands nothing less.
Read more HERE.
CVS Health Announces Support of Women's Heart Health with $10 Million Commitment to Go Red For Women® English
Customers can donate to the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women campaign at all CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide throughout February
MinuteClinic offering free "Know Your Numbers" heart screenings on Valentine's Day
WOONSOCKET, R.I., Feb. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health (NYSE: CVS), the nation's largest pharmacy innovation company, today announced a major commitment in support of women's heart health. As a new national sponsor of the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women® movement, CVS Health has pledged to raise a minimum of $10 million over the next three years to support life-saving cardiovascular research and education. Helena Foulkes, President of CVS Pharmacy, has also been named as the inaugural National Chair for Go Red For Women, an annual campaign designed to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke as the number one killer of women and to empower women to take charge of their heart health.
[...] Coinciding with American Heart Month in February, CVS Pharmacy customers can support Go Red For Women by making a $1, $3 or larger donation at the register at 7,900 CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide or online, February 5-25. The in-store fundraising campaign is the first of many initiatives to support the three-year, $10 million commitment by CVS Health to the American Heart Association.
[...] Cardiovascular diseases cause nearly one in three deaths in women each year or one death every 80 seconds. It is important to be armed with heart health knowledge, including knowing the five key numbers that affect risk for heart disease – total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index. To help address this need, MinuteClinic – the retail walk-in medical clinic of CVS Health – is offering free "Know Your Numbers" heart screenings at its more than 1,100 locations nationwide on February 14, Valentine's Day.
[...]
Read more HERE.
Veridus is proud to represent a true “who’s who” roster of premier members of the business community. The Veridus Weekly has proven to be an excellent opportunity to highlight key announcements, activities, etc. If you would like to feature something in an upcoming issue, reply to this email or send information to info@veridus.com.
In case you missed it . . .
Arizona news:
Arizona child safety unit looking at new regulations
Arizona Senate panel narrowly approves guns in public buildings bill
Arizona bill would bring stricter penalties for rioters
Arizona lawmakers consider raising the age limit for tobacco to 21
National report card ranks state among worst for highway safety laws
Arizona plan to tighten Medicaid eligibility likely to stand better chance under Trump's watch
Arizona Senate panel votes for reviews of sales tax breaks
Senator pushes ban on billboards he considers unacceptable
Arizona political experts, politicians react to Trump's pick for Supreme Court
Department of Revenue put wrong numbers on tax refund forms
Arizona Democratic lawmakers push anti-discrimination laws
Arizona bill would allow for longer sentences for criminal immigrants
Bill requiring mandatory school recess in K-5th advances
Hundreds protest Trump's immigration ban at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport
National news:
Economy added 227,000 jobs in January
Insurers could bolt, depending on what form an ACA 'repeal and replace' takes
Senate confirms Rex Tillerson as Trump's secretary of State
San Francisco sues Trump over executive order targeting sanctuary cities
Trump Leaves Obama's Last-Minute Child Support Rule Alone
Sens. John McCain, Jeff Flake praise President Donald Trump's Supreme Court pick
Trump chooses Neil Gorsuch, a conservative seen as likely to be confirmed, for Supreme Court
President Trump Fires Acting Attorney General Sally Yates After She Defied Immigration Order
McCain and Flake take lead in opposing immigration ban
What does President Trump mean for housing?
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