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“Mother, I have learned enough now to know I have learned nearly nothing. On this day when mothers are being honored, Let me thank you.”

- From Mother, a Cradle to Hold me by Maya Angelou

This Week At The Legislature

It is that time again, where we are well beyond the 100-day mark of the legislative session, and instead of wrapping up, the legislature is heading into a one-to-three-week recess. Passing a budget is our most important responsibility, but continued disagreements among the Majority, in and between each chamber, have stalled the process. We're approaching the final stretch of policy votes, here’s an update for those following closely:
* 351 bills have been sent to Governor Hobbs
* 152 bills have been signed by the Governor
* 2.5% of the bills are democratic bills (total of 9)

Wondering about the disparity? During the vote on a bill banning DEI programs, my colleague Rep. César Aguilar adeptly pointed out: this legislature is not merit-based. Good policy at the Capitol is judged not on its merits, but on whether there's an "R" or "D" next to the sponsor’s name. That’s exactly why DEI measures matter—they exist to break down bias and promote fairness in every aspect of our lives.

(Watch the spirited floor voting here ([link removed]) , complete with MLK quotes.)

Like many of my colleagues, I had bills that earned unanimous committee support, only to be buried in the pile of forgotten ideas. Merit alone isn’t enough to move forward even the most popular policy ideas, so how can we pretend we live in a society rooted in equal opportunity?

A Clean Prop 123 or No Deal

Dear reader, I want you to know about an urgent budget catastrophe looming, one that threatens not just our state’s financial health, but the entire existence of public schools in our state. Arizona’s public-school funding is being held hostage - again. Republicans are proposing a false choice for Prop 123: secure long-term funding for public education only if we permanently write the private school ESA voucher program into the state constitution. This is a dangerous bait-and-switch, a billion-dollar poison pill.
* For background: Proposition 123, passed by voters in 2016, increased State Land Trust distributions to public schools and now provides $285 million annually in K–12 funding. With its expiration just months away, the state will need to backfill that amount from the General Fund unless it’s responsibly renewed.

Let’s be clear: Arizona already has school choice. What most Arizonans choose is public schools. But now, lawmakers are trying to link teacher raises and classroom funding to a scandal-plagued voucher system that uses taxpayer dollars for luxury purchases like espresso machines, car lessons, even bounce houses, with zero accountability. These two ideas have no business being in the same bill and are questionably unconstitutional.

But the fiscal impact is staggering. What was sold as a $30 million ESA expansion program has exploded to over $900 million in just two years, predictably blowing a massive hole in the state budget. Enshrining this program in the constitution would lock in this reckless spending permanently, forcing every Arizona taxpayer to foot the bill for private education while starving our public schools of resources.

* Worth mentioning that as of 2024, 82% of students using the vouchers were already enrolled in private schools before applying for the program. Private citizens are literally picking up the tab for private school tuitions, instead of public dollars to be used for the public good.
* In LD 5, this number is higher with 86.6% of voucher-using families were already attending private schools, diverting $79,416,000 of public-school funding to private schools. At risk is a further $7,341,225 loss for LD 5 public schools.

We saw during the fight for developmental disability funding that when partisan games are set aside, good policy can pass. A clean Prop 123 proposal would have the votes. It’s time to do the right thing, for our educators, for our kids, and for Arizona’s economic future.

Contact Republican lawmakers today and demand a clean Prop 123 renewal: no voucher protections, no backroom deals.

Representative Matt Gress - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Clean%20Prop%20123%20ONLY%20-%20No%20vouchers&body=)

Senator J.D. Mesnard - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Clean%20Prop%20123%20ONLY%20-%20No%20vouchers&body=)

Member Roster ([link removed])

Paying It Forward

This week, we came together in support of Dress for Success with a clothing drive that reflects the best of what community can do. Thanks to my colleagues who showed up with generosity and heart, we collected professional clothing that will now get a second life helping individuals entering or re-entering the workforce feel confident and supported. A small act, a big impact. If you would like to donate you can find their wish list here: Dress for Success Wishlist ([link removed])
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Because I have budgets on the brain and there will be no legislative work this week, I will layout the recently released federal budget ([link removed]) and the impact it will have on Arizona next Sunday. The Trump administration is proposing $163 billion in federal cuts, gutting entire programs crucial to everyday life for veterans, young kids, teens, moms, seniors, families, and everyone in between. One example is the maternal and child healthcare programs slated to be cut by $274 million.

So, to all the mom and maternal care providers out there, I see you. Take care of yourselves so that you can take the best care of those around you. You are doing a great job! Happy Mother’s Day.

With Kindness,

Sarah


** Community Corner
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Top: Civic Innovator Award winner Carlos Alfaro, Honorable Ron Barber, Event Chairs Jane Anderson and Don Heninger

Bottom: Jane Anderson, John Fees, Carlos Alfaro, Launch Pad winners, Susan Bustamante, Don Heninger, Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Ilana Lowery, Adam Goodman

I had the honor of participating in an inspiring awards dinner hosted by the Arizona Democracy Resilience Network and Mormon Women for Ethical Government. The evening focused on civic discourse and courageous leadership, recognizing individuals who are standing up, speaking out, and working to protect democracy with integrity. In a time of deep division, it was meaningful to be in a space that brings people together across party lines. Even when we disagree, honest and respectful conversation helps us move forward. I’m grateful to work alongside the incredible teams behind these organizations—and especially their leaders, Don Heninger and Jane Anderson—who are creating the spaces we so desperately need right now.
Arizona Democracy Resilience Network ([link removed])
MWEG - Mormon Women For Ethical Government ([link removed])

Rental Assistance Dollars

It takes me 17 minutes to drive to the Capitol, and during this drive I have seen an ever-increasing number of unsheltered community members. Rental assistance dollars have been proven to improve people’s financial security and keep them housed. Unfortunately, the pandemic-era dollars have all but been exhausted. Enter Arizona Pet Project, who have been working the past months to get their grant dollars into the hands of those who need it most. Please share the following with anyone you might know who can use it.
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The Arizona Pet Project ([link removed]) has a grant to provide flex funds to Arizonans who need pet-related financial assistance OR are facing loss of housing OR are experiencing homelessness and need last-mile assistance to regain housing.


This resource is a good fit for participants who:
* are facing eviction due to unpaid rent
* needs assistance paying pet rent or pet deposits
* need assistance with utilities, food, transportation, veterinary care, and/or employment expenses to preserve rent funds
* need assistance with mortgages or critical home repairs to keep it livable (a/c, roof, etc...)
* need assistance with car repairs to retain employment
* are experiencing homelessness and need assistance with deposits or rent to regain housing or moving expenses


Other details:
* Funding is statewide, so anyone in Arizona can apply!
* Applicants must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income
* Limit $3,000 per household, one time-assistance
* Program expires 06/30/2025
* Pet owners preferred, but not required
* Proof of financial need (eviction notices, past-due statements, etc.)

Case managers may reach out directly to The Arizona Pet Project by emailing Krista Sanchez at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

(If you are providing a referral and the client is not under active case management, individuals must complete the Request Assistance Form ([link removed]) on The Arizona Pet Project website. A team member will respond within 72 hours to complete an intake form. Please note that households must meet certain qualifications to be admitted into the program.)

Local Eats
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We’ve highlighted Title 9 Sports Grill in a previous newsletter, but after dining at Dahlia recently I thought I would give more flowers to the owner, Audrey Corley, who also owns the iconic Boycott Bar. Audrey has teamed up with Andrew and Nicholas Renteria of Chubasco Tacos to bring us Dahlia, an intimate and elevated Spanish-Mexican fusion tapas experience located in the heart of the Coronado community near Downtown Phoenix. Dahlia serves up bold flavors, fine tequilas, and a curated wine list in a warm, welcoming space.

The dates were my personal favorite along with the Mexican wine. I’ve also been told the octopus is a crowd favorite… so go for it, unless you've recently watched an octopus documentary.


** Upcoming Events
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** Phoenix Bike to Work Day
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** Councilwoman Laura Pastor is hosting Phoenix Bike to Work Day! The 3-mile ride starts at Steele Indian School Park and goes down 3rd street to highlight the new protected bike lanes. The ride ends at the Arizona Science Center where there will be giveaways and a raffle. Sign up here ([link removed]) or with the link below.
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Bike to Work Day ([link removed])


** RUSH-HOUR RESISTANCE
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The Resistance continues to grow. Not only did we have people showing up from Maricopa, but two women from Northern Phoenix will be starting their own group.

Wednesday morning - 7:30 am - 8:30 am

Support Sarah‘s Work ([link removed])
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