Here and Now - Governor Napolitano
Governor Napolitano is our guest this week. She outlined an ambitious proposal to allow every AZ high school graduate with a B average to get free tuition at community colleges starting in 2012. She also wants Arizona's three universities to freeze tuition for students for a four year period after they start. NAU does this. ASU increases rates on a graduated scale, but U of A is guilty of raising rates when the Board of Regents approves tuition hikes. The governor also wants to start planning for a 'legacy' transportation infrastructure that would include rail service between Phoenix and Tucson. Plus, the guv is asking lawmakers to allow kids up to age 25 to be allowed to stay on their parents insurance policy or on the rolls of Kidscare if they receive free or reduced coverage from the state.
And the last few shows host Steve Goldstein has asked the governor if she had decided to endorse a democratic presidential candidate. Each time she said she was going to wait until after the Feb. 5 primary. Then, Napolitano came out after the New Hampshire primary and officially endorsed Barack Obama. Say what? We'll ask the guv about what caused her to change her mind.
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Paul Atkinson - Here and Now Producer at
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Comments (13)
I needed 3ml of NEVANAC and 3ml of VIGAMOX for each eye at a total cost of about $332.00 for eye surgery. I drove to Mexico and got them for $37.99. They were the exact drugs as prescribed and with ALCON from Ft Worth, TX as the headquarters. I have the precription and bill. Is it true that you want to stop me from getting drugs from Mexico?
Although I certainly support education, it seems more important to improve the system we have than to extend free public education to 4 year olds and "B" average high school graduates. For instance, allowing all Arizona students the opportunity to learn Spanish at least by middle school seems imperative to me. Also, some parents want to care for their preschooler's needs, educational and otherwise, at home. As for paid community college, why should newly-graduated students be considered more deserving than older workers who wish to further their education? A more individualized scholarship program seems more fair. I appreciate Governor Napolitano's dedication to serve Arizona even though we often disagree on particular issues.
As a single mother of an ambitious daughter (8th grade), we are extremely excited about the Centennial Scholars Program. What can I do as a resident and mother to make sure this program is implemented?
Dear Governor,
I am a supporter of you and appreciate your efforts for Arizona's future. Given your stance on education and the importance of graduating from high school and college, your announcement to refuse federal funds for abstinence education was confusing. Since there are funding streams for both abstinence and comprehensive sex education, it seems important to maintain these streams so that individual schools and school districts can choose which programs are right for them and for their students. Please explain how you reached your conclusion, given that abstinence education has led to positive results - 60% less likely to be expelled from school, 50% less likely to drop out of school, and almost twice as likely to graduate from college (http://www.projectreality.org/pdf/contentmgmt/Abstinence_and_Academic_Acheivement.pdf), as well as a nearly 10 year decrease in teen sexual activity overall.
Thank you.
Janet, you may not remember me -- we were summer associates together in San Francisco, summer 1982. I am now one of your constituents and I want to give you a cyber high-five for your political courage in supporting Barak Obama. Also, I enthusiastically support your proposed higher education program. How can we move Arizona's recalcitrant legislature to adopt it? Best wishes to you, Denise
Governor, Arizona has a high population of veterans and probably the highest percentage of women veterans for the nation. Governor Richardson was the only candidate talking about medical issues and PTSD support of veterans, until he dropped out. I have since heard Senator Edwards talk about it. No other candidate has addressed it. Can you please share your thoughts on pursing more research and treatment of as well as assistance for those struggling with PTSD? Also, how do you feel about what women soldier/veteran survivors of torture/rape (PTSD/MST)? Your thoughts on the murder of the marine Mary Lauterbach? Thank you.
What do you think about the Transrapid or maglev train between Phoenix and Tucson, Phoenix and LA, it would save money, power, and lots of car and truck trips?
Ed
This may be premature: when can i get an Obama/Naolitano bumper sticker for my car?
We need a lawyer in the Executive branch,
thank you Governor for your service and sacrifice to Arizona. Godspeed.
Governor, I love what you do. Obama is right, you seem to be able to govern with common sense. So, my question to you is why on earth did you sign the employer sanctions bill that is about to wreak havoc on an already suffering Arizona economy? That seems to be out of character for you. Can you shed some light on this for me.
Thankyou, keep up your good work.
Persian Gulf of Solar, now there's an ad campaign SRP should get behind! nice one Guv!
Jeff,
You're too funny. If you don't work in politics, you might consider it.
I would love to see AZ move toward using primarily solar power. I wonder how much the alt fules fiasco will impact the ability of AZ government to provide incentives for residents to supplement their homes with solar power. It would be wonderful to find a fiscally responsible way to encourage people to install solar panels.
