Numerous studies have concluded that university science and technology research can lead to economic growth, particularly in the fast growing and high paying knowledge economy industries. Across the country and around the world, many state and national governments have heeded these studies and made substantial investments in their university research capacity. The common hope is to capitalize on the wealth and job creation that can be generated by a science and technology-based economy. Arizona is among the biggest recent investors. Passage of Arizona’s Proposition 301 in November 2000 earmarked an estimated $1 billion over 20 years to support increasing science and technology research capacity at the state’s three public universities. Other research funding programs have also been initiated in the state. Now, after the first four years of Proposition 301 funding -- FY 2002 through FY 2005 -- the question arises: How are Arizona’s Proposition 301 research investments performing?

Historically, the prominence of affluent groups and individuals among the contributors to state political campaigns has given rise to fear of a government of “checkbook democracy,” in which successful lawmakers are obligated to those who contribute large sums of money. To reduce wealth’s influence, level the playing field, and address several other problems related to campaign finance, approximately a third of states have instituted some type of public financing program for political candidates. Arizona was the second state in the nation, following Maine, to adopt a clean elections program.

This report examines community concerns and challenges related to extreme heat during a typical year and during the COVID-19 pandemic. It considers which policies have helped address these concerns and challenges and identifies potential opportunities to further support community members with the challenge of extreme heat. The report focuses specifically on American Indian and Latino/a community members, given their disproportionate risk of experiencing detrimental impacts of extreme heat and overlapping risk factors for negative outcomes of COVID-19.

Reed Adamson, Campaign Director for former Congressman Harry Mitchell, describes his experiences working for Harry Mitchell's campaign in 2010. Reed talks about his background and interest in politics beginning with learning about Health Care Insurance, the growth of immigration reform, the Arizona State Democratic party, and his changing roles working for Harry.