With the Legislative Session behind us, I believe that
we represented the interests of the majority of Arizonans while also moving our
state forward. The surest way to ensure that we continue building Arizona up
with increased economic development and job growth is to legislate with common
sense, reading entire bills before voting on them, holding civil discourse, and
considering them in the larger context of our state’s statutory
direction.
Health Screening & Cancer
Treatment
That is why I worked hard on getting the newborn
screening and the cost-parity for cancer treatment bills passed. Newborns with
congenital heart defects can now be diagnosed early when remedies can make the
greatest impact. Cancer victims taking self-administered anticancer drugs will
no longer pay a penalty for following what their doctors have decided is often
the best course of treatment.
Suicide & Drug Abuse
Prevention
I also worked hard to pass legislation that will allow
teachers and school administrators to count suicide awareness and prevention
classes as part of their required continuing education. This will help teachers
and administrators to recognize, step in and make a difference in the lives of
troubled youth. Preventing the abuse of dextromethorphan (DXM), which can act as
a hallucinogen, was also of critical importance to me this session. By
prohibiting the sale of DXM to those under 18, we are helping protect the lives
of Arizona’s children so that they can become healthy, well-educated
contributors to our economy.
Fixing Arizona’s Child Welfare
System
One
absolutely critical area affecting Arizona and our children is the overhaul of
Child Protective Services. After the discovery of thousands of uninvestigated
cases of alleged abuse or neglect, Governor Brewer acted decisively to remedy
the situation. She quickly ensured that each case was reviewed with eyes on the
child to determine what appropriate action needed to occur. The Governor
disbanded CPS as it existed under the Department of Economic Security and formed
a new agency reporting directly to the Governor’s office.
Now,
we need to fund the new agency, and Gov. Brewer will call a Special Session of
the Legislature solely to review this issue, determine new rules and regulations
for the new agency, and to vote on adequate funding to ensure a tragedy like
this never occurs again. I
look forward to reviewing the work the Governor and her CARE Team have done to
revamp our old system and reestablish it as a new entity with improved
oversight, and also to push for adequate funding with a framework for
responsible reporting.
If you believe, as I do, that rational, common-sense
legislation is not only important, but is vital to building a strong, successful
Arizona, I ask that you consider
a gift of $25, $50 or $100 to help my campaign hit the ground
running. I am facing a challenging primary season this year as my opponents have
already begun to attack my long-standing record of using common sense and
thoughtful consideration in making rational choices for the betterment of
Arizona and its citizens. Please contribute
today so that I can continue representing your
interests!
Thank you.
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