Center for Arizona Policy Looking Ahead
By Cathi Herrod, President, Center for Arizona PolicyAfter a disappointing end to what's been one of the most challenging legislative sessions in memory, the CAP team and I are looking forward to the future and what's next for our state. Long ago, I learned the best response to a disappointing legislative session is to simply turn your attention to the future, seeking God's guidance for what's next.And, I always go back to my favorite Proverb: "the horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord." We were prepared this session. Thanks be to God for the victories we've had. We're not going away; we'll begin preparations for next year's session in the next few weeks --- after we get some sleep!Before we close the book on this legislative session, there are a few updates you should know:The legislature passed Medicaid expansion this week without including any amendments to prevent further taxpayer funding of abortion under the expansion. As I tweeted after the House rejected the amendments, the pro-life legislature refused to address the pro-life issues raised by Medicaid expansion. It's unheard of to abandon one's pro-life commitment this way In the coming days, we will be releasing our voting records so you can see how your representatives voted on this issue.I want to thank all of you who responded to our Action Alert regarding SB 1069, which would have allowed for unannounced, warrantless inspections at abortion clinics. The bill also included provisions to address the pro-life Medicaid expansion concerns. Sadly, this too failed to pass. The fight to pass this important legislation is far from over. Arizona's women and preborn children deserve better than the abortion industry's sub-standard care, and CAP is determined to see unannounced inspections signed into law. Just like informed consent, parental consent, and a number of other pro-life provisions that are now law, passing important legislation is not easy and often takes years to get done.Look for a full legislative recap in the days ahead, along with CAP's Family Issues Voting Record.But now that session is done, we can turn our attention to a busy summer ahead, including: Sometime in the next two weeks, the United States Supreme Court will release its decisions on Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act. Be sure to follow me on twitter or like the CAP Facebook page to see the latest updates on these decisions, along with analysis once the decisions are released. There are many city elections coming up in August that CAP will be surveying and reporting on at azvoterguide.com. Look for an update of our Policy Pages: A Guide to Family Issues. While this was a tough legislative session, I'm grateful for the CAP-supported legislation that was signed into law. Several bills await action by the Governor. Most of all though, I'm looking forward to where we're going in the future, and what we can continue to accomplish by God's grace.News HitsThe Arizona Court of Appeals has rejected the Freedom From Religion Foundation's lawsuit against the Arizona Day of Prayer.Live Action has released another undercover video, this time from a New Mexico abortion clinic.
