Grand Canyon State 🌵

Vaccines, preventing wildfires, new jobs — another busy week on the 9th Floor. Read about it below, beginning with the Governor's guest opinion in the Orange County Register that was published on Monday.

Orange County Register: Leaving California? Don't Forget Why
"Here, we still value common sense. We believe in trusting people with the tools needed to thrive, then standing back and getting out of their way. We believe in fiscal responsibility. And we believe the American dream should be available to everyone, not just the ultrawealthy." - Governor Ducey

Governor Ducey Signs Legislation To Promote Forest Health And Prevent Wildfires
The legislation creates a new partnership, employing Arizona inmates to clear forests of debris. The program is a win-win: forests will be healthier and inmates will have new skills setting them up for employment once they are released.

3TV: New Program Aims To Rehabilitate Arizonans In Prison And Prevent Wildfires

Great Circle Media: Governor Ducey Applauds The “Healthy Forest Initiative” Passed This Week
"In addition to promoting sustainability in Arizona forests, the law’s other goal would be to increase chances of inmates developing job skills, which would make them more likely to enter the workforce and reduce risk of re-arrest."

Arizona Daily Star: Tucson Opinion: Smart Environmental Leadership From Gov. Ducey
"In the wake of the fires, Gov. Ducey should be applauded for his focus on combating overgrowth and poor forest management. Through his proposed Healthy Forest Initiative, Arizona can combat these ferocious and out-of-control fires."

Governor Ducey Signs Senate Bill 1442

Krista Countryman Shares Her Story

Targeted Outreach In Pilot Program Registers More Than 400 For COVID-19 Vaccination
Taxicabs snaked through the COVID-19 vaccination queue this week at Arizona State University’s Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Their passengers: prioritized individuals from a ZIP code where the Arizona Department of Health Services has been conducting high-intensity outreach.

Arizona Republic: 'I Want You To Trust The Vaccine,' Gov. Doug Ducey Tells Arizonans In Tele-Town Hall
"In an hourlong telephone town hall with Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey Tuesday, several members of the public said they or family members were unsure about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Ducey's message was one of reassurance and science."