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“My colleagues, who teach everything from African history to physics to Chinese language courses, are beloved teachers and mentors. But many of them will lose their jobs and be deported at the end of this semester, and no one will be hired to replace them. Many fields of study will vanish, and many languages simply won’t be offered.”
-Jules Riegel, a time-capped lecturer in history and literature at Harvard.
This Week At The Legislature
“Hurry up and wait” is a phrase we know all too well at the Legislature — a frenzy of urgent work followed by long stretches of delay as negotiations drag on and egos are appeased. This week, that dynamic was on full display as we fought to secure funding for paid caregivers serving Arizonans with developmental disabilities.
Despite having months to resolve this issue, the Majority chose to run out the clock, using vulnerable children and families as bargaining chips in a political fight with the Governor. As of Wednesday afternoon, a solution looked unlikely. But thanks to the compassionate and pragmatic leadership of both Republican and Democratic women leadership, a bipartisan agreement was reached late that evening. A clean version of the bill was brought to the House floor to ensure that families would not face devastating cuts to services for nearly 60,000 Arizonans living with conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, and other developmental disabilities.
Protecting families from any interruption in services had been a top priority for our Democratic caucus, and I’m relieved and proud to share that the House passed the bill Wednesday night, the Senate followed on Thursday, and the Governor signed it into law that same day.
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Press conference following the passage of funding for Arizonans with disabilities.
A Town Hall Without A Representative
Living in Congressional District 1, it brought mixed feelings to stand in for Congressman David Schweikert at a town hall — a town hall he refused to attend, even as concerned constituents continue to seek answers during one of the most alarming times in our country’s history.
I joined over 500 fellow residents as more than thirty people lined up to ask questions intended for their Congressman. I heard small business owners worried about closures from the Trump tariffs, constituents pleading for support in Ukraine as the Trump administration sides with Putin, seniors fearful about losing Social Security and Medicaid, and people sounding the alarm on threats to our democracy, our constitutional rights, and the very checks and balances that hold our system together.
What I saw was a room filled with engaged, smart, and determined people stepping up and speaking out when their elected representative would not. As a constituent of Rep. Schweikert, I left the town hall dismayed at the dereliction of his duty to the district. But as an elected official, I left inspired by the strength, resilience, and growing energy of our community, and I know this is only the beginning.
Cardboard cutout of Rep. David Schweikert and I listen to CD1 constituents.
Schweikert didn’t show up, but over 500 of his constituents did.
Shoutout To Arizona’s Women Leaders
This week, the City of Phoenix held its inauguration and welcomed a powerful new voice to the City Council, former State Senator and my dear friend, Anna Hernandez. Watching Anna, a fearless community advocate and partner in our fight for housing justice, take her oath — in both Spanish and English, for the first time in City history — was a moment of immense pride.
Councilwoman Hernandez has long been a champion for her community, and now she brings that same unwavering commitment to City Hall. I have no doubt she will continue leading the charge for justice in policing, action on the housing crisis, and real progress for her district. Congratulations, Councilwoman Hernandez, I am so proud to stand alongside you as you begin this next chapter of service!
City Council member Anna Hernandez was sworn in on Tuesday
On the national stage, Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari continues to lead with courage and clarity, demanding that the President and his administration uphold the rule of law. This week, she traveled to El Salvador on behalf of a man who was taken from his family without due process — a deeply troubling pattern that is becoming more common under the current administration and Department of Justice.
Upon returning, Congresswoman Ansari went on Fox News, where despite Laura Ingraham’s attempts to sideline the conversation with soundbites, she stayed laser-focused on the real issues at stake, issues that concern Americans across the political spectrum. Kudos to Congresswoman Ansari for her action-driven leadership and for bringing honest, critical messages to audiences who too often are shielded from the full truth. Watch the interaction below ([link removed]) . ([link removed])
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Congresswoman Ansari on Fox News
** Community Corner
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Healing and Hope at Ruth Place
Governor Hobbs speaks to the crowd. Mayor Gallego issues a Proclamation from the City. Supporters Julie Gunnigle, Anita Malik, Rep. Patty Contreras, Mayor Gallego, Jodi Liggett, Rep. Liguori, Marlene Galen Woods, Karen Gresham, and Ruth Place Founder Civia Tamarkin.
This week, Ruth Place, a trauma recovery center for survivors of sexual violence, held their annual breakfast, bringing together community leaders and supporters to honor the transformative work they do. Focused on the full spectrum of survivor experiences and providing both immediate and long-term care, Ruth Place is a lifeline for so many in our community.
Governor Hobbs and Mayor Gallego, both longtime champions of Ruth Place, attended the event, Mayor Gallego issuing a proclamation recognizing their vital impact. Listening to the women who have gone through Ruth Place’s healing process was profoundly moving — you could feel the depth of transformation as they shared their journeys toward support, independence, and renewed confidence.
Re-entry And Beyond
Arouet ([link removed]) celebrated the graduation of 24 Career Assessment Skill Enhancement (CASE) Academy participants, fifteen in technology and nine in trade skills. It was a great event where each graduate had their moment to shine. For many, it wasn’t just about completing their respective educational tracks, it was about taking the chance on something new and gaining skills in areas they hadn't before. The event was made even more special with community funders, mentors, and families coming together to support these graduates. By investing in themselves, they’re already making an impact in their communities, and with the skills they’ve gained, they’re ready for whatever comes next in their lives.
Arouet ([link removed])
Local Business Shoutout
Chef and owner of Saint Pasta Racan Alhoch
Celebrating a birthday this weekend, I was able to try two new restaurants that have been on my list. The first, Saint Pasta ([link removed]) , located off Central and Portland, is a minimalistic pasta shop with a delicious menu, cool vibes, and great soundtrack. You ‘eat it how they make it’, and we didn’t have a dish that disappointed in our order. Their pasta and sauces are made from scratch in small batches, which is at the core of their belief in creating good food. You can even grab a jar to take home for those nights when you just want to eat well without going out.
** Upcoming Events
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