Ruling on clergy members and confessionals; Arizona students graduation rates; Arizona voters’ agenda

On this episode of “Arizona Horizon,” the Arizona Supreme Court has ruled clergy members are not required to report child abuse if they learn about it during a religious confession. Stephen Montoya, a partner at Montoya, Lucero and Pastor, discussed what this ruling means and how it could affect future cases.

A majority of students in some Arizona school districts are struggling to meet state proficiency standards in math and English language arts. However, most of these students are still graduating. Katie Wilcox and Evan Wyloge, both professors of practice at the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism, discussed the findings of the BEAM project.

Arizona released its voters’ agenda with new statewide priorities earning support across political affiliations. The agenda provides a rundown of what Arizona voters want leaders to address, such as affordability, housing, water, education, immigration and elections. Dr. Sybil Francis, President and CEO of Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA), discussed the desires of Arizona voters and what to expect in the future.