Episodes

  • Education Choices: A Deep Dive into Arizona's School Options
    Sep 3 2024

    Arizona boasts a robust education system with a variety of school choices for families. However, the debate over whether traditional public schools can truly serve all students persists.

    In this episode, Katie Ratlief is joined by Janelle Wood, Common Sense Institute's A Choice for Every Child Fellow, to explore the pros and cons of school choice in Arizona. Together, they discuss the future of education, the potential impact of rolling back school options, and what the experts say about providing every child with the best opportunity to succeed.

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    25 mins
  • Arizona's 2024 Job Killers: Breaking Down the Economic Threats
    Aug 20 2024

    Get ready for a hard-hitting dive into the policies set to crush Arizona's job market in 2024. From legislative landmines to regulatory red tape, we break down the biggest threats that could derail business growth and put Arizonans out of work.

    In this episode, we explore how these so-called “job killers” could impact the state’s booming economy and what needs to change to keep Arizona thriving. Tune in to hear expert insights, real-world implications, and what’s at stake for businesses and workers if these proposals become reality.

    Read the full report here: https://commonsenseinstituteaz.org/2024-job-killers/

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    12 mins
  • Can Arizona Conquer the Fentanyl Crisis?
    Aug 5 2024

    With nearly 150 lives lost daily to fentanyl overdoses across the U.S., no state is immune.

    What is the impact of fentanyl in Arizona? Can the state tackle this devastating crisis effectively? Is there a viable solution on the horizon? Join us as we delve into these pressing questions and explore Arizona's fight against the fentanyl epidemic.

    Read our report on the fentanyl crisis in Arizona - https://commonsenseinstituteaz.org/arizonas-ongoing-fentanyl-crisis/

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    11 mins
  • Balancing Act: Arizona's Bipartisan Budget Triumph Amid Revenue Shortfalls and Political Divides
    Jul 22 2024
    Arizona recently passed this year's state budget. Policymakers delivered a balanced, bipartisan budget while navigating revenue shortfalls and a divided government. On this episode of Policy Pulse Arizona, we'll answer the most important questions that you may have about the state budget. Like, what happens if lawmakers don’t pass a budget by July 1? What’s up with the revenue shortfall we keep hearing about? What’s really responsible for declining state revenues? Is there a cost to bipartisanship? Relevant CSI research:
    1. How to Solve Arizona's Budget Deficit
    2. The 2024 Arizona Budget Then and Now
    3. Growth & Change: How One Year of Universal Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Has (And Hasn’t) Altered Arizona’s K-12 Landscape
    4. Accelerating Arizona’s New Tax Structure: Economic Impacts of Implementing the 2.50% Flat Tax in 2023
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    16 mins