Tag: Arizona Capitol Times
CCC&Y Board President Andrea Meronuck among Arizona Capitol Times’ ‘2023 Women Achievers of Arizona’
Andrea Meronuck, Clinical Director of Northland Family Help Center in Flagstaff, was among Arizona Capitol Times’ “2023 Women Achievers of Arizona” winners announced on Sept. 19, 2023.
“2023 Women Achievers of Arizona celebrates the accomplishments of top women in numerous fields. Amidst a challenging year, these leaders persevered and excelled. Their collective work helps Arizonans today and prepares the state for a flourishing future. The Achievers will also be profiled in a special edition of the Arizona Capitol Times,” the newspaper reported.
“This year’s event to honor the winners will be held Oct. 24 at the Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Below are the honorees in their respective categories. The Arizona Capitol Times editorial staff had no input on the nominations.”
The 2023 Women Achievers of Arizona were nominated by readers.
Meronuck is currently serving as Board President, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth.
“I serve with CCC&Y because the coalition is a place where the community can come together and explore a shared passion for the wellbeing of children in the county, and take action toward our collective goals of a thriving community. Together we are able to creatively make space for efforts toward healing what needs to be healed, and as well as make space for growing a greater experience of safety, prosperity, connection, confidence, and joy in the youth of our community.”
July 12, 13, 14, 15 — Arizona Capitol Times presents Meet the Candidates free webinars
This year’s Arizona Capitol Times Meet the Candidates will be streamed live on YouTube at 6 p.m. each night through July 15. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from the candidates, and interact with them by sending in questions. Don’t forget to register – they’re free to attend!
Education board adopts rules for high school graduation during crisis. See more state education news here
As Arizona is reeling from the fallout of COVID-19 and people are sitting somewhere between preparation and panic, an unlikely duo has formed to put partisan politics aside during the pandemic.
Each day brings a new executive order from Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, but by his side throughout most of it is Democratic Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman.
The two gave their first joint press conference the morning of March 19 after passing out meals to students in the Cartwright School District. When Ducey announced schools would close, initially for two weeks, he deferred to her in a joint announcement in the Executive Tower.
Even when Ducey ordered a “stay at home” order on March 30, Hoffman was there.
And though both sides will say they have worked well together from the beginning, it’s clear that their relationship wasn’t always rainbows and butterflies.
Education groups consider measure to tax rich – and poor. See more state education news here
The activists behind last year’s Invest in Education Act are considering a comeback – they’re eyeing a sales tax hike, an idea they have routinely rejected in the past as regressive and detrimental to the poor.
After seeing their proposal thrown off the ballot last year, they’re making other major changes aimed at garnering broader support, maybe even from foes.
Several education groups familiar with the plan said the coalition shifted its focus to a hybrid of income and sales tax increases that would raise roughly $1.2 billion annually. Of that amount, $500 million would come from raising the state sales tax by four-tenths of a penny, bringing the sales tax dedicated to education to a full cent.
Arizona Capitol Times Guest Opinion — State agency turns its back on kids who need support
One of the guiding principles listed on the Arizona Department of Child Safety website is: “All Arizona’s children are safe and protected from harm.” But DCS’s actions make clear that the agency has a funny definition of the word “all.”
This legislative session, DCS successfully lobbied for a law, a floor amendment to SB 1539 introduced by Sen. Nancy Barto, that encourages the agency to cherry pick which children they will protect. The law gives the agency the chance to argue in court why children who have had run-ins with the juvenile justice system should not have the opportunity to be cared for by a foster parent.
Ward: State GOP backs tax hike for education. See more state education news here
The state Republican Party has staked out a rare policy position by backing a tax hike – as long as GOP lawmakers don’t have to do it alone.
AZGOP Chairwoman Kelli Ward announced Monday evening her support for legislation that would increase a voter-approved 0.6-cent sales tax earmarked for education to a full penny.
This new tax hike, like the original tax, would also need to be approved by voters on the 2020 ballot.
11 education bills to watch at the Arizona Capitol. See more state education news here
Almost a year after the #RedForEd walkout, state lawmakers continue to face immense pressure from educators and parents to improve Arizona’s public schools. …
Legislators spent the first month of this year’s session introducing a flurry of education bills. Many won’t make it to even the first step toward becoming law — a public committee hearing and vote.
But some have.
Arizona Education Superintendent: Teacher Shortage a ‘Crisis’. See more state education news here
Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman told the state House Education Committee that the teacher shortage is a “crisis.”
During her first state of education speech to the committee, Hoffman said when she speaks with teachers they often talk about pay.
“Time and time, pay, competitive pay, is always the top issue. Many feel their pay has even been decreasing over the years,” she said.
Arizona Superintendent Kathy Hoffman talks ‘dream come true’ as she heads into office. See more state education news here
The oath has been taken, the official photo is up, now it is time to get to work for Arizona’s new Superintendent of Public Instruction, Kathy Hoffman. The former teacher and speech therapist admits it is still sinking in.
“To really have my vision come to reality and to be getting to work on the issues I really care about has just been like a dream come true,” Hoffman told me.
Arizona lawmakers urged to approve $56M for child care for needy families. See more state education news here
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is urging lawmakers to approve a plan to put $56 million toward expanding child care assistance for thousands of children.
In a (Jan. 16) announcement, the governor’s office said half of the funds would go toward expanding the number of parents eligible to receive those subsidies, impacting an estimated 5,100 children.
The other half would be put toward increasing the average monthly child care subsidy rate by as much as 17 percent. That would affect about 39,000 children.
