Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest’s advocacy newsletter highlights Arizona’s ongoing budget negotiations, urgent housing affordability concerns, the need to protect Medicaid/AHCCCS, and upcoming ballot propositions affecting food taxes, public safety, and transportation funding.

This op-ed by Joseph Palomino, director of The Arizona Center for Economic Progress, argues that years of tax cuts and the flat income tax have weakened the state’s ability to invest in the foundations of a strong economy. First published by The Arizona Republic on Monday, May 11.

As Gov. Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Legislature clash over the state budget, the outcome will shape funding for schools, food assistance, health care access, child care, tax relief, water policy, and the safety net that vulnerable Arizonans depend on.