Mary Jo Pitzl

1 week ago | azcentral.com | Mary Jo Pitzl

Four Republican lawmakers are the target of recall efforts launched by parents of children with disabilities. Fed up with what they call political game-playing in an effort to keep disability services running, they filed recall paperwork April 17 with the Arizona secretary of state. The petitions target House Speaker Steve Montenegro, R-Goodyear, House Majority Leader Michael Carbone, R-Buckeye, House Appropriations Chairman David Livingston, R-Peoria, and Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix.

1 week ago | azcentral.com | Mary Jo Pitzl

Arizona lawmakers promise funding to address a $122 million shortfall for disability services, avoiding a May 1 program shutdown. But the current bills have a catch: They include provisions that could put limits on the program and require legislative approval for Medicaid waiver changes. A plan to prevent an abrupt end to state services for Arizonans with disabilities is moving ahead at the Legislature, along with concerns it could cripple the program in the near future.

2 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Mary Jo Pitzl |Stephanie Innes

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Arizona to support two proposed state laws: one restricting food stamp purchases of soda and the other banning certain "ultraprocessed" foods in schools. Kennedy praised the U.S. measles response despite a significant increase in cases and one confirmed death of a child in Texas. Critics questioned Kennedy's health agenda, citing his termination of health grants, staff firings, and stance against vaccines. Robert F.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Mary Jo Pitzl

The second-largest LGBTQ+ event in Arizona took place on April 5 and 6, celebrating diversity, inclusion and community. The annual Rainbows Festival was presented by Phoenix Pride and had more than 150 exhibitors, sponsors and two stages packed with entertainment. However, the free family-friendly festival took on a slightly different tone in 2025, with a focus on policies from Washington, D.C. to the state Capitol that target the LGBTQ+ community.

2 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Mary Jo Pitzl

The second-largest LGBTQ+ event in Arizona took place on April 5 and 6, celebrating diversity, inclusion and community. The annual Rainbows Festival was presented by Phoenix Pride and had more than 150 exhibitors, sponsors and two stages packed with entertainment. However, the free family-friendly festival took on a slightly different tone in 2025, with a focus on policies from Washington, D.C. to the state Capitol that target the LGBTQ+ community.