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Doug Ducey on Families & Children
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Automatically screen all babies for SCID
Every year, babies across the country are born with Severe Combined Immuno Deficiency--SCID. It's a rare genetic disorder that if not detected and treated early, is deadly. A baby born in Arizona today is automatically screened for a number of diseases--
but not for SCID. Let's change that, by adding SCID to the list. We have the power to save these precious human lives. So let's act with urgency.All of us who are blessed to be parents know the joy a child brings into our lives.
Not to the mention the late nights. The bond between a newborn baby and its mother is uniquely special. [Some programs] allow new moms and dads to bring their babies to work the first six months.
The results have been impressive, and we plan to expand it even more. It's a win-win-win--increased productivity, quality employees less likely to leave state service, and most important--happy babies.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Arizona Legislature
, Jan 9, 2017
Grandmother Stipend: fund foster care for relatives
I want to acknowledge the community and faith-based organizations who participate in our state's revolutionary prevention model--the care portal. These organizations help hundreds of families in crisis by lending a helping hand when one is
desperately needed.And in cases where the state must intervene, we are seeing some positive trends. For the first time in seven years: More children are leaving the care of the state, than entering it.
Our foster families are the unsung heroes in this tragedy. [Sometimes] aunts, uncles, grandfathers and grandmothers, who raise these children as their own. This is often a better option for a child than going to an unfamiliar family.
But unlike other foster families, these family members receive little assistance for taking in their nephew or grandchild. So let's change that, with a "Grandmother Stipend"--providing these families with resources to raise these children.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Arizona Legislature
, Jan 9, 2017
Publicly shame fathers behind on child support
For fathers out there who aren't meeting their child support obligations--for too long, you've been able to remain anonymous--able to skirt your financial and legal responsibilities with no shame. Not anymore. Effective immediately, the state is going
to begin posting the photos, names and money owed by these losers to social media, with the hash-tag "deadbeat." It's simple. If you're old enough to father a child, then you're old enough to accept financial responsibility for that child.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Arizona legislature
, Jan 11, 2016
Serving Arizona: highlight volunteer and charitable efforts
With all our renewed focus on opportunity in Arizona, it's worth remembering that the best of these can be opportunities to serve. In November, I launched an effort during the holiday season called "Serving Arizona" to highlight volunteer and charitable
efforts throughout our state. Visit these food banks and shelters and you'll see first-hand those who are struggling the most in our communities. You'll also see the best of our state--people taking a little bit of time out of their busy days
to help those most in need. Maybe it's serving lunches. Maybe it's packing food baskets. Maybe it's reading to a child. Whatever it is, these selfless Arizonans are an example for those of us elected to represent them.Christmas season has come and
gone, but Serving Arizona has not. Giving more to charities close to our heart is always a good thing, but there is nothing like giving your time, and I hope with this effort to encourage that spirit.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Arizona Legislature
, Jan 12, 2015
Page last updated: Jun 16, 2018