AZ Political Podcast: Greg Stanton on Trump government cuts, water future and more

PHOENIX — On this week’s AZ Political Podcast, I’m joined by a gentleman I’ve known for a minute: Arizona Democratic Congressman Greg Stanton.

We met as Downtown YMCA board members back in the early 2000s when he was a Phoenix city councilman — and I was morning host at KTAR. Twenty-plus years later, he’s serving in Congress — after a stint as mayor of Phoenix… and I’m … uh… hosting Arizona’s Morning News on KTAR. (As well as this swell podcast!)

Rep. Stanton tells me what worries him most about Trump’s cuts to government — in regards to both the federal workers here in, and the federal funds intended for, Arizona. Possible cuts to health care through Arizona’s Medicaid system, AHCCCS, is an especially big concern for him.

The congressman also explains why at least one of his Republican colleagues from Arizona should have their “hair on fire” over the GOP-proposed budget. And where he thinks Democrats can cut government.

We talk about Arizona’s present water situation (a severe drought) and what technology could mean for Arizona’s water future. And why he thinks our state’s Native tribes should have a bigger seat at the table. (I resisted saying “the water table” because that would be a bad dad joke.)

Since he has a seat on the House Transportation Committee and its Aviation Subcommittee, I talk with Congressman Stanton about the recent spate of air tragedies we’ve seen across the country and what the FAA needs to look like going forward — with, of course, a recognition of how America already have the safest aviation system in the world.

And, Greg Stanton reveals what his next title in life will be (something that has him more excited than being called “Councilman,” “Mayor,” or even “U.S. Representative”): ASU Dad.

AZ Political Podcast

AZ Political Podcast is available at KTAR.com, the KTAR News app and everywhere you get your podcasts.

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