“The respect that courts must show the executive must be reciprocated by respect the executive shows the court.”

- Conservaitve Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson's opinion for the

4th Circuit Court of Appeals in the Abrego Garcia case 

Hoppy Easter and happy successful wrap up to Black Maternal Health week, organized by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance.

This week brought intense debate and emotion during a special Appropriations Committee hearing on the $122 million shortfall facing the Division of Developmental Disabilities. After a key bipartisan supported amendment threatened the majority’s version of the bill, three new members were added to the committee at the last minute to block it. The legislation includes drastic cuts to the Parents as Paid Caregivers Program—reducing paid caregiving hours from 40 to 20 per week—sparking powerful testimony from parents who warned these changes could lead to children losing care or being institutionalized. Governor Hobbs called the bill a "non-starter" and announced she will veto all new legislation until a bipartisan solution is reached. House Democrats stood with her, voting against all bills on the Floor the same day. As readers of this newsletter know, the clock is ticking to fund this critical program.

The Housing and Homelessness Caucus heard from two organizations doing powerful work to meet the needs of our most housing-insecure residents. Habitat for Humanity shared their permanently affordable starter home development in Flagstaff, where a resident can move in with just $1,000 down and build $10,000 in equity each year—equity they keep when they sell the home back to the organization. We also heard from the Area Agency on Aging about the Justa Center, a day resource center for unhoused seniors that provides meals, laundry, health care, mental health access and more. As demand for services grows and the building nears the end of its life, they are launching a capital campaign to fund the construction of a new facility to keep seniors safe and connected to vital resources and peers.

Habitat For Humanity’s new CEO Todd Rogers, Habitat Northern AZ Executive Director Eric Wolverton, Rep.’s Volk, Biasucci, and Liguori

I’m so proud to highlight the continued advocacy of LD 5 resident Vincent Petersen. Vin shows up in so many spaces—hosting a podcast, registering voters, speaking at LD meetings, and testifying at the Capitol. This week, ABC15 featured his powerful response to RFK Jr.’s misinformation-laced remarks on autism. Vin called the comments “ignorant and offensive, but not surprising,” given RFK Jr.’s long track record of promoting debunked conspiracies. Watch the news story here. Way to go, Vin!

Vin Petersen speaking with ABC15 news.

In contrast to that harmful rhetoric, the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center hosted their annual breakfast, where I joined over 1,500 others in support of their groundbreaking work. Through new technology and community investment, they’re expanding access to testing, growing school campuses across the state, and helping build autism inclusive communities where every individual can thrive.

Now available - Brand new license plates that benefit research and support for individuals with autism and their families. $17 of the $25 plate will go towards the supporting organizations: Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center and First Place AZ!

SARRC CEO Daniel Openden, “This initiative represents a powerful statement for our state and a milestone moment for Arizonans impacted by autism. We’re also proud to showcase the original artwork of Joe Bradley—an accomplished artist on the autism spectrum and a founding member of our Self-Advocate Advisory Board—whose creativity and talent bring this license plate to life.”

Two major developments this week should continue to concern all of us. First, Trump floated the idea of deporting American citizens convicted of crimes—an unconstitutional proposal that legal experts are already warning could set a dangerous precedent. Then, a federal appeals court slammed the administration for ignoring a court order in a deportation case, warning that unchecked executive power could lead to U.S. citizens being removed without due process. The court didn’t mince words: “What assurance will there be tomorrow that it will not deport American citizens and then disclaim responsibility to bring them home?” Read the court’s powerful ruling here.

With Kindness,

Sarah

Community Corner

Osborn Pointe grand opening with former Dept. Of Housing Director Sheila Harris

and AZHF President Howard Epstein

Veterans and seniors have an affordable place to call home thanks to the dedicated housing work of Native American Connections (NAC). Osborn Pointe, located in Central Phoenix, is the latest development from NAC, who have built more than 400 units of affordable housing with dedicated services for veterans, seniors, families, and low-income individuals. It was joyful to be at the grand opening celebration, which featured multiple basket blessing dances from the Pascua Yaqui tribe and the city, state, and philanthropic groups that supported the project to make it financially possible.

The Arizona Housing Fund contributed a $100,000 grant toward the cost of constructing Osborn Pointe. The project is one of ten that they have funded, totaling $1.7 million in grant funding from AZHF to build and operate permanent supportive, low-income, and working poor housing. AZHF, started by LD 5 resident Howard Epstein, has three innovative ways people can support affordable housing projects:

DIRECTED DONATIONS - Individuals, families, public/private/family foundations, nonprofit/for-profit corporations, community groups and government make donations to the AZHF.

ESCROW DONATION PROGRAM - Homebuilders, developers, real estate agents & brokers and title companies voluntarily participate in the program and give buyers and sellers an opportunity to also donate to the AZHF.

LEASE APPLICATION DONATION PROGRAM - Multifamily Housing Companies who participate in the program make a $5 donation to the AZHF per rental applications and give their applicants the opportunity to donate as well.

Book Club April 27th

Please register below to receive the Zoom link:

Local Business Shoutout

I'm excited to share that two exceptional women chefs from our district have been named finalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards, one of the highest honors in the culinary world.​

Crystal Kass, pastry chef at Valentine in Phoenix's Melrose District, is a finalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Her innovative desserts blend Sonoran flavors with modern techniques, which the restaurant does exceptionally, Crystal made history last year as the first Arizona pastry chef nominated in this category. Head to Valentine for brunch—the mimosa is the best ever. And if you're going for dinner, don’t miss the uniquely unbeatable elote pasta.

Yotaka "Sunny" Martin, co-owner and chef at Lom Wong in Roosevelt Row, is a finalist for Best Chef: Southwest. Her deeply personal menu draws from her family's northern Thai heritage and the traditions of the Moklen tribe. The restaurant is a celebration of family, and if you’re torn between all the mouthwatering options, take a chance on family-style surprise where the kitchen will treat you to their favorite dishes.

Winners will be announced on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Let's cheer on these incredible women who are putting Phoenix on the national culinary map!

Community Connections