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“I move the House of Representatives of the 57th legislature first regular session do now adjourn and Sine Die.”

- House Majority Leader Carbone



This Week At The Legislature

The final week of budget negotiations was not without its twists and turns. In a last-minute maneuver, a third “skinny budget” was introduced and pushed by House Appropriations Chairman Livingston as the only way to avoid a government shutdown. That simply wasn’t true. I stood on the House floor to correct the record: we had three budgets before us, and one already had the backing of the Governor, the Senate, and House Democrats. The introduction of yet another budget without broad support felt performative and unnecessary. Fortunately, by late Thursday evening the bipartisan budget was brought to the floor for a vote, passing with a 40-19 vote.

I supported this year’s bipartisan budget because it reflects real progress on the issues I have heard our LD 5 community cares most about: access to quality child care, affordable health care, strong public schools, higher education opportunities, and targeted homelessness prevention. These wins were the result of hard work by House Democratic leadership, who negotiated tirelessly to prioritize working families and ensure the most harmful proposals were kept out of the final deal.

This budget has earned the support of advocates and leaders across the state including the Arizona Education Association, AARP, our universities and community colleges, the Inter Tribal Association of Arizona, frontline health care providers, labor unions, and the Arizona Food Bank Network. When such a broad coalition comes together, it’s a sign we’re on the right path. There’s more to do, but we worked hard and took a meaningful step forward.

What we delivered for Arizonans in this budget:

✅ $45 million to cut the child care assistance waitlist in half and boost quality

✅ $37 million in Opportunity Weight funding for students in lower-income schools

✅ $3.8 million to provide free meals for students

✅ $15.5 million for homelessness services, including eviction and utility assistance

✅ $2 million for Homes for Heroes to end veteran homelessness

✅ $34 million for the Promise Program, offering full-ride scholarships to working-class students

✅ $9 million for the Teachers Academy to grow our educator pipeline

✅ $4 million to train more doctors through Graduate Medical Education

✅ $7 million for Area Agencies on Aging that supports seniors with housing and services

✅ $3 million for Tribal health care investments

✅ $3 million in legal aid for workers fighting exploitation

✅ $3 million to protect our share of the Colorado River and fight for Arizona’s water future

✅ $3.9 million for firefighter and law enforcement pay raises (15% and 5%, respectively)

Bill Updates

Early this week we voted on the Ag-to-Urban and Chase Field renovations bill. Both bills were supported by the Governor and passed in the House. I voted in support of the Chase Field bill and against the Ag-to-Urban bill.


I’m incredibly grateful to my colleagues, peers, and friends for the support and recognition as Best Minority Ranking Member and Best Democratic Elected Official. I got the news while on the House floor voting on a second budget headed for a veto—a reminder that the work always continues. I'm honored to do this work, that I love, every day, and even more so to share this recognition with the inspiring Democrats I was nominated with and the communities of LD 5.

And huge thanks to the mighty team that helps make this newsletter come alive, and with minimal typos. Thank you, Sterling and Ethan!!

I will be taking a break to spend time with my family and will check back in with you all again soon! Wishing you a happy Fourth of July and summer.

With kindness,

Sarah


** Community Corner
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Excited to announce Civic Spark: Where Community Meets Action!

This August, we’re bringing together nonprofits, civic groups, and grassroots organizations from across the Valley for a community resource fair to connect people with causes that matter. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, organize, or just learn more, this is your chance to plug in and power up.

📣 Calling all organizations: If you'd like to participate, we’d love to have you—it's free for both organizations and attendees! Reach out to reserve your spot.
Participant Interest ([link removed])

Congratulations to Abraham James on receiving the 2025 Phoenix Revitalization Corporation Award for the Greater Green Gables Neighborhood! Abraham is a steadfast steward of community, not just in his neighborhood but across the city. His dedication and quiet leadership continue to make a lasting impact.

Congrats to Ed Hermes on his Phoenix City Council launch! He is running for an open seat in District 4 and the community turned out to support him just as he has always been there for others.
Support Ed’s Campaign ([link removed])

Local Eats

So excited about this next chapter for Chilte, one of my favorite spots on Grand Ave, and there are LOTS of good spots on Grand Ave. Chef LT, recently named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs of 2024 ([link removed]) , is setting a new high bar for the restaurant, launching the Chilte Club, a monthly drop full of off-menu dishes, house-made goodies, fresh pastries, and even exclusive wine pairings. It’s everything bold and unexpected we love about Chilte, now with a fun members-only twist.

Chilte is a perfect addition to the thriving mix of restaurants, local businesses, and artists that make Grand Ave one of the most exciting streets in Phoenix right now.
Chilte Club Info ([link removed])


** Upcoming Events
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Come celebrate 4th of July with Neighbors at the Royal Palms Neighborhood Association 4th of July Parade 7:00am - 9:00am July 4 at Royal Palm Park. The family-friendly event will include a bike parade, local vendor booths, pie eating contest, fire department water spray experience and more! Bike parade starts at 8:00 AM. More info here. ([link removed])
Register Here ([link removed])

Sign up the youth for summertime fun with Phoenix Plays! Lots of different summer camp offerings for all interests and budgets.

Sign up here ([link removed])

July 5th 80s Party with Pop-Up Roller Rink!

Olympic Dancer BBoy Gravity is teaching a breakdance workshop at North Park!

Secular AZ is putting on a members-only event Wednesday July 9th for a series of informal talks with a lawyer about immigration process and attacks on immigrants.

This is a Members Only event - Members can RSVP here ([link removed]) , and if you’re not a member, you can easily and affordably sign up to join on their website ([link removed])


Support Sarah‘s Work ([link removed])
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