Education

We all understand that cuts have to be made in tough times, but unfortunately, our legislature seems to be making cuts in education first without considering alternatives or consequences. We need to continue to pursue policies that make class sizes low, as well as make sure that alternative education and dropout prevention programs are funded so that all Arizona students have the opportunity for a high school diploma.

Budget

Instead of looking at changing the way the state handles its revenue, the legislature has resorted to short term gimmicks like selling the capitol and privatizing prisons. This will do nothing to balance our budget over the next few years. In addition, we can’t seriously address our budget issues if the legislature continues to insist on tax cuts for large property owners and favored industries.

Jobs

We need to recognize that good employers are not just looking for which state will give their employees the best quality of life, but they are also looking for an educated, skilled workforce. We ought to be doing what we can to increase access to our universities, community colleges and vocational programs instead of our current policy direction that is closing those doors to many citizens. We need to finally seriously look at industries, like alternative energy, that Arizona is best poised to be a leader in.

Protect Southern Arizona

The Phoenix leadership in the legislature needs to recognize that we in Southern Arizona are taxpayers too, and that we deserve our fair share of resources, especially when it comes to the University of Arizona. At the same time, leaders in Phoenix have to recognize our right and ability to govern ourselves, and stop passing bills designed to scapegoat and single out Tucsonans.