December is when we all look back at the year nearly behind us and we assess: Did we keep our New Year’s resolution? Did we make progress? Did we grow?

At CAP, we look back on 2016 with awe and gratitude that we have been able to be a part of so much progress and that God has used our work in powerful ways. We are humbled because we are fully aware that we could not do any of it without the support of so many like-minded Arizonans standing with us.

We made a commitment this time last year that CAP would drive the conversation, mobilize the grassroots, and expand our reach. Though not complete, it is an honor to look back and see how we have been able to do all those things in various ways.

Over the next few weeks, I am going to share stories with you about how you and CAP together have touched lives and made a real, positive difference in our communities.

I’ll tell you about our role in stopping recreational marijuana in our state – the only state out of nine facing a marijuana measure to defeat it. It’s inspiring to have seen the pastors come together, get informed and energized; to see citizens, equipped with facts, influence their circles; and to watch the powerful leaders in our state take risks in order to protect Arizona children and teens.

I’ll share the story of a struggling family that found healing thanks to the work of a local charity. This and other charities have the ability now to greatly increase their resources because of the work of legislators this past session. They passed CAP-supported laws that double the amount taxpayers can give to these charities through the Charitable Tax Credit.

Churches are saving tens of thousands of dollars beginning this year because of the CAP-supported bill to relieve churches that rent their property of most of their property tax burden. Planned Parenthood will get $200,000 a year less of taxpayer money, and college students can again speak freely on campus because of CAP-supported laws passed in 2016.

I’ll show you how CAP’s Community Relations Director built relationships and bridges to mobilize Hispanic pastors and joined with hundreds of young people to stand up for CAP issues.

The 2016 Arizona legislature passed 15 CAP-supported laws, but I look back and see the stories, the real people behind the statistics. I want to share them with you.

I want you to see the direct effects of driving the conversation, mobilizing the grassroots, and expanding our reach.

There is much more ahead of us and we are already looking to the opportunities and challenges 2017 will bring. But we want to stop and mark progress with those who have come alongside us.

Over the next few weeks, as I spell out the many ways CAP has kept our commitment this year, please consider committing or recommitting to CAP because we cannot advocate for Arizona families alone.

Thank you for your prayers and your involvement, for your support that makes all of this possible.

Gratefully yours,

Cathi Herrod, Esq.
President