Episodes

  • Arizona Ballot Breakdown: Prop 138 & 312
    Oct 14 2024

    As election season kicks off in Arizona, voters are facing one of the longest ballots in recent history, including 13 statewide ballot measures alongside federal, state, and local races. In this episode, host Katie Ratlief, Executive Director of the Common Sense Institute Arizona, is joined by Glenn Farley, Director of Policy and Research, to break down two critical statewide measures—Proposition 138 and Proposition 312.

    What economic effects could these propositions have on Arizona’s future? From the ways they could influence employer-employee dynamics to their potential impact on the state's GDP, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the consequences of these key decisions.

    Read the 2024 CSI Arizona Ballot Guide here: https://www.commonsenseinstituteus.org/arizona/research/ballot-issues/az-2024-ballot-guide

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    15 mins
  • Arizona's Ballot: Key Initiatives Shaping Jobs and Economic Competitiveness
    Sep 17 2024

    This year’s Arizona ballot is packed with crucial measures, many of which directly impact jobs and the economy. Join host Katie Ratlief as she sits down with Common Sense Institute's Director of Policy & Research, Glenn Farley, to dive into two key local initiatives. Together, they’ll explore how these proposals could influence Arizona's competitiveness and what they mean for the future of the state's economy.

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    19 mins
  • Arizona's Ballot Breakdown: Jobs, Economy, and the 2024 Election
    Sep 10 2024

    In this episode, we dive into Arizona's upcoming election season, focusing on the critical ballot initiatives that could shape the future of jobs and the economy in the state.

    From minimum wage changes to business regulations, we'll unpack how these measures may impact workers, employers, and Arizona's economic landscape.

    Join Katie Ratlief with our guest host, Danny Seiden, President & CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, as they break down the key issues and help voters understand what's at stake.

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    21 mins
  • 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