The Problem:
Last year, the federal government announced a shortage in the Colorado River, and slated Arizona to bear the brunt of the cuts in water usage. So far, it’s been our farmers who have been affected the most. Furthermore, the purchase of farmland to sell water rights to the highest bidders is a threat to our rural communities who rely on our water supply to make their living. Our water shortage is going to require creative solutions and buy-in from across the state.
The Plan:
Guaranteeing our water supply for generations to come means reducing use where we can, and finding ways to rebuild our supply. We can do so by using grants and tax rebates to enable our farmers to invest in water-use reduction technologies and replace high-use crops with low use crops. We also need to protect the water rights of our rural communities by banning the sale of rural water rights to the highest bidder. Finally, we should reward best practices on an individual level, such as water recapture, by providing tax rebates to Arizonans who do their part.
The Problem:
Between sky high prescription drug prices, unaffordable insurance deductibles and premiums, and shortages of insurance providers in rural counties, Arizonans are struggling to find and afford quality healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened the gaps in our healthcare system. When you or a loved one is sick, the last thing on your mind should be the bill that comes due after a visit to your doctor. Yet, that is the reality for many families across our state.
The Plan:
The cost of healthcare in Arizona is a difficult problem to solve, but not impossible. We can lower the cost of care by enacting laws requiring price transparency for fee-for-service providers. Furthermore, by creating a buy-in option for AHCCCS, families who can’t afford insurance will have an option to gain coverage at a price they can pay, and private insurers will have to offer more competitive pricing for coverage in order to compete. Finally, we should expand and fund access to long term care and services for seniors who are in need.
The Problem:
Like many Arizonans, I believe investing in our future means investing in our public schools. Unfortunately, many of our state’s leaders do not share this belief. As a parent, I take this personally. Arizona ranks last in the nation for school funding. We are 49th for teacher pay, and spend $5900 less per pupil than the national average. This funding shortage has led to poor teacher retention rates, overcrowded classrooms, and falling outcomes for our students. Our school budget problems are further exacerbated by the $300 million dollars that are redirected to ineffective private school vouchers. This is not just hurting our kids, but it’s also hurting our economy and the long-term prosperity of our state. In 2020, the voters sought to fix some of our funding problems by passing prop 208, guaranteeing funds for teacher salaries. In service to private special interests, the state legislature overturned the will of the voters and redirected funds to other parts of the state budget. This is unacceptable.
The Plan:
We need to invest in our schools at a rate that is in line with the national average. This includes guaranteeing funding for increasing teacher salaries, professional development for teachers, classroom supplies, and providing adequate resources for students with disabilities. Furthermore, we should ensure that every school has professional career and mental health counselors onsite. Finally, we need to cap spending on private school vouchers, which draw funds away from our public schools. Prioritizing public education investments will not only improve our children’s futures, but will create better outcomes for our economy by ensuring we have an educated workforce and are enticing new businesses to set up shop in Arizona.
The Problem:
The men and women who serve in our military have made great sacrifices in order to keep our country safe, yet across the country many struggle to find affordable housing, good jobs, and quality healthcare services when they return home. Arizona, where over 520,000 veterans call home, is no exception. We need to honor the sacrifices of our brave servicemembers and their families, by providing the tools for them to thrive after leaving the military.
The Plan:
Ensuring that our veterans are able to build lives for themselves and their families when returning home should be a top priority at the legislature. This means investing in and expanding housing programs targeted towards veterans, creating work placement and training programs, and providing funding for community health centers serving current and former service members. Furthermore, we should ensure the economic security for families of active duty service members by increasing funding available to the assistance programs that serve them.
© 2024 Radford for Arizona. All Rights Reserved. Powered by New Wave Strategies.
