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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     June 26, 2025   PHOENIX  – A large majority of the House Democratic Caucus provided key support for a negotiated bipartisan budget that passed on Thursday 40-16-4, including 20 Democratic votes, and now moves to the Senate for final approval. The plan was developed with Caucus leaders Oscar De Los Santos  and Nancy Gutierrez , along with ranking Appropriations Ranking Member Stephanie Stahl Hamilton  at the table with the Governor, Senate Democratic and Republican leaders.   "This bipartisan budget is the result of intense months-long negotiations and delivers important wins for Arizonans delivered because Democrats were at the negotiating table," said Leader De Los Santos. "The plan is not perfect, and nobody got everything they wanted, but I'm proud and grateful for the work Representative Stahl Hamilton and our team did to help build this plan. This is a budget that delivers for public school students, protects Medicaid, and expands health care for Indigenous Tribal members and cancer patients. We also make big investments to bring down the cost of childcare and make college tuition free for Arizona’s students from working families. And we held the line, providing no money for Trump's mass deportation agenda."   Representative Stahl Hamilton, who helped negotiate the package as ranking Democratic member of the House Appropriations Committee, added, "A truly bipartisan budget means both parties being at the negotiating table with the Governor from the beginning. That is what happened, and it made all the difference with this budget. We helped build this plan with our caucus from the bottom up, working directly with the Governor's outstanding team, and that gave me confidence in my vote."   Assistant Leader Gutierrez reminded Arizonans that House Republicans showed exactly what a state budget would have looked like without Democrats at the table by sending two starvation budgets to the Governor's desk to be vetoes.   "Far-right Republicans tried to end health insurance for thousands of Arizonans, attack Dreamers attending public universities, and cut vital funding for hospitals, especially in rural Arizona," Gutierrez said. "Democrats stood firm and we defeated every single one of these extreme proposals."     --30--

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 24, 2025   PHOENIX –Representatives Mariana Sandoval, Cesar Aguilar, Lorena Austin, and Senator Analise Ortiz released the following joint statement today after the Trump Administration bombed targets in Iran over the weekend. without Congressional approval or credible proof of a threat. “To the people of Iran, as elected officials and citizens of the United States who believe in peace, mutual respect, and the value of every human life, please know this: We did not vote for this act of war, and most Americans do not support this reckless decision made without Congressional approval or credible proof of a threat. Trump's actions do not reflect the will of our country, just as the Iranian regime's do not reflect the will of its people or represent our hopes for the future. An unnecessary and unjustified war would take innocent lives, spike prices for fuel and other goods everywhere, and potentially escalate to and destabilize other countries. We will continue to raise our voices loudly and persistently to demand accountability and peace, and sincere commitment to a world where diplomacy triumphs over destruction." -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     MAY 31, 2025 TUCSON, Ariz.  – House Democratic members representing Tucson released the following statement denouncing underhanded and deceitful tactics used by federal immigration agents, who reportedly posed as utility workers for Tucson Electric Power to gain access to a home on the southside of Tucson without a warrant. A neighbor confronted the agents and captured video, which was reported  by KGUN-TV.    "Gaining access to homes without a warrant by taking advantage of the trust people place in service providers like utility companies is inappropriate, unnecessary and stokes community wide fear. This type of deceit makes our communities less safe. It can be no coincidence that since Donald Trump tripled his demanded quota  for arrests to 3,000 people a day that his agents are now donning disguises, lying and obliterating ethical lines and community trust, along with due process. We urge communities to stay vigilant, ask service providers to show their identification, and know your constitutional rights."    The statement is attributed to Assistant Democratic Leader Nancy Gutierrez ; Representatives Alma Hernandez; Consuelo Hernandez, Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, Mariana Sandoval; Christopher Mathis, Kevin Volk and Betty Villegas.      -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     May 21, 2025 PHOENIX  –  Arizona House Democratic Leadership released the following statement regarding ICE sending armed masked agents to a Phoenix immigration court to detain families attending hearings.     “Trump’s cruel mass deportation machine is showing up in our community again," said Caucus Whip Quantá Crews . "What is happening outside the Phoenix Immigration Court is horrifying. Agents waited in the shadows. They targeted mothers and fathers who were following the law. People showed up for their hearings in good faith and were taken into custody when they walked out. Some were arrested in front of their children. There was no warning. No legal counsel. Just arrests and a bus waiting to take them away.   This is not immigration enforcement. This is government-sponsored trauma. It is fear-based governance that tears families apart and silences entire communities. These actions go against the principles of due process, human dignity, and democracy.   To everyone who is navigating the immigration system, please do not go to court alone. Bring an attorney if you can. If not, bring a trusted friend, a faith leader, or a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. We need witnesses. We need documentation. We need each other.   Stay safe. Stay connected. Stay prepared. We will not be silent in the face of injustice. We will keep fighting with compassion and the power of community.”   -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                  May 18, 2025 PHOENIX – Representatives Patty Contreras  and Stephanie Stahl Hamilton condemned the deadly bombing of a fertility clinic on Saturday in Palm Springs, California. Contreras is the ranking Democrat on the House Health and Human Services Committee and Stahl Hamilton is one of the House Democratic Caucus's leading voices on reproductive rights. The suspect died in the bombing, and four other people were injured. Authorities have determined that the bombing was an act of domestic terrorism aimed at preventing the clinic from providing services like in vitro fertilization (IVF).   " The bombing of a fertility clinic was a direct and cowardly attack on reproductive freedom," said Rep. Stahl Hamilton, an ordained Presbyterian minister who has sponsored legislation  to protect access to IVF and other fertility treatment. "People should have the right to choose how and when they want to be pregnant and should be able to make that choice without fear of political or ideological violence. I am praying for those who were injured, their families, the doctors and staff at American Reproductive Centers, the brave first responders and the people of Palm Springs."   "Our hearts are breaking for those impacted by this shocking attack on those who provide reproductive healthcare," said Rep. Contreras. "People who seek healthcare and the medical professionals who provide that care should be able make that choice without their safety or privacy being threatened. We condemn this and all forms of violence and are keeping all of those injured in our thoughts."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     April 23, 2025 PHOENIX  – House Democrats released the following statement on the bipartisan passage of emergency funding for the Division of Developmental Disabilities. The House passed HB2945, which included a bipartisan compromise to provide emergency funding for services for Arizonans living with disabilities and the parental caregiver program, by 46-11-1 vote. The bill now goes back to the Senate for a final vote before it can get to the Governor's Desk.   “This bipartisan plan will protect care and lifesaving services for the most vulnerable Arizonans living with disabilities and does so without harming efforts to address homelessness and affordable housing," said House Assistant Democratic Leader Nancy Gutierrez , who helped negotiate the compromise. "While not perfect, the bill also includes sensible guardrails to help avoid this kind of emergency in the future. We urge the Senate to adopt and pass this language as soon as possible so that the stress and turmoil these families have endured can end.”   -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 20, 2024     PHOENIX  – Arizona State Senate Democratic Leader Priya Sundareshan and House Democratic Leader Oscar De Los Santos released the following statement in response to the Republican outbursts and theatrics in the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) before approval of a routine request to shift funds within the Arizona Department of Child Safety budget to cover higher-than-estimated costs. Senate Democratic Leader Priya Sundareshan (LD18)  stated, “Today, what should have been an unremarkable meeting of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee devolved into a political circus at the expense of our foster children. Republicans are working feverishly to stretch facts and manufacture outrage over a completely routine budgeting procedure that has happened multiple times over the past decade under both Republican and Democratic governors. Under Republican Governor Doug Ducey, the legislature approved nearly $50 million of these requests to move money from one line item to another within an agency budget — all without batting an eye. This Republican behavior was disgusting, and their grandstanding puts Arizonans at risk of losing desperately needed services.” House Democratic Leader Oscar De Los Santos (LD11)  added, “The Department of Child Safety is not running out of money next week, as the Republicans claim. This is a pathetic attempt to distract voters from the fact that, just yesterday, House Republicans killed a bill to provide emergency funding for kids with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, and other developmental disabilities. If the Republicans don’t act in the next few days, these children will be cut off from lifesaving services. They are attempting to distract you when they should be making life better for disabled kids across Arizona.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     March 13, 2025 TUCSON, Ariz.  – The House Democratic Leadership Team released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva  at the age of 77.    " Raúl Grijalva is the quintessential Arizona story. The son of migrant Mexican Bracero laborers, in a single generation he transformed himself into one of our state's most outspoken, impactful, and longest-serving leaders. He succeeded through education, determination, and his inexhaustible drive to help and serve communities in need, and he showed countless others how to do it as well. His beloved Tucson and communities throughout Arizona will dearly miss the progressive heartbeat of our Congress and the fiercest protector of our wildlands, air, and water. Our Caucus gives our deepest condolences to Congressman Grijalva's incredible family and many loved ones during this heartbreakingly difficult time."   -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     March 11, 2025     PHOENIX  – House Assistant Democratic Leader Nancy Gutierrez , a public-school teacher who is the caucus ranking member on the House Education Committee, spoke out today against President Trump's illegal action to try to shut down the U.S. Department of Education by ordering layoffs of up to 50 percent of its personnel. Trump is reportedly weighing an executive order to eliminate the Department altogether, an act that cannot by law occur without Congressional approval. If the Department's functions cease, Arizona students and public schools stand to lose nearly $1 billion  in annual funding, and more than 20,000 teachers and other education specialists could lose their jobs. Federal funding is especially vital for lower-income Title 1 schools , special education, help for students with disabilities, as well as grants for rural and Tribal schools.   "It takes an act of Congress to abolish a federal agency, not a decree by a wannabe monarch," Gutierrez said. "This is a rogue administration that has handed over your private data and banking information to Elon Musk and his cronies, and now Trump wants to devastate and destroy public education in the nation he pledged to lead – not to exploit and strip for parts. Gutting the Department of Education will be devastating for Arizona – especially for those students and families with the highest needs. This country and our state deserve better. I have no doubt this illegal act will be challenged in court, but how much damage will he do to our state, to our kids and to our economy by sowing chaos? It is long past time for members of Congress to stand up for the people they represent and defend their role in the American system of government before he waves his wand and takes that away too."   -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                   March 3, 2025 PHOENIX— The Arizona LGBTQIA+ Legislative Caucus released the following statement today after Equality Maricopa was abruptly disbanded on Friday by Maricopa Community Colleges as part of an effort to comply with demands made by the Trump Administration to halt educational programs that help marginalized communities overcome barriers to education and success. Equality Maricopa is a non-profit organization of MCC staff and faculty who identify as LGBTQI+ -- and allies -- that raises money for student scholarships.   "This is the alarm bell. History is repeating itself. We have seen civil servants fired, minority groups being targeted, and non-elected agents taking over our government. This doesn't end with our community. This is where it starts. The Trump regime's goal is clear: Make it difficult if not impossible for students who are not cisgender, able-bodied and white to be themselves in all school environments. For years, Maricopa Community Colleges was an ally and a success story in the effort to obtain equality, dignity and an even playing field in school and in the workforce. Now, out of fear of a hateful and dictatorial administration, that work and our community, is being targeted. Again, unless good people in this state and country stand up, this is just the beginning. This appalling decision doesn't just impact the LGBTQIA+ community, but also communities of color, students of different ethnicities and anyone who is differently abled."   -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 29, 2025   PHOENIX – On January 28, 2025, the Arizona State Legislative Indigenous Peoples Caucus elected Senator Sally Ann Gonzales (District 20) to serve as chair, and Representative Brian Garcia (District 8) to serve as vice chair this legislature. The IPC Caucus issues the following statement:     Senator Sally Ann Gonzales. Initially elected in 1996, to serve in the House of Representatives, and prior service on the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council, Senator Gonzales has extensive leadership experience in state and tribal governments.    Arizona Senator Sally Ann Gonzales (LD 20), an enrolled member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe that resides on tribal lands, Senator Gonzales is considered a foremost expert on legislative issues related to children, community development, tribal gaming compacts, healthcare, housing, quality education, tribal governments and economies, and water.  Since 2019, Senator Gonzales has served as chair or vice-chair of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus.   Senator Sally Ann Gonzales stated,  “I am honored that my colleagues have chosen me to serve as the Indigenous Peoples Caucus Chair for the 57th Legislature. On January 15, 2025, we heard from our Tribal Leaders across the state at our 30th annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day as they voiced their priorities to State lawmakers.  We will work diligently on behalf of our constituents and all Indigenous Peoples of Arizona highlighting their water rights, healthcare, education, Indian Child Welfare Act, and Indian Gaming.  Our state is home to 22 federally recognized tribes and it my promise to do everything in my power to ensure our tribal communities are valued, supported, and heard at the Arizona Legislature.”   In 2025, Senator Gonzales is one of only five Indigenous Members currently serving in the Arizona State Legislature.      Representative Brian Garcia, a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, added, “I’m grateful to serve alongside our Chair, Senator Gonzales, and with our IPC Caucus members to support our tribal nations. Protecting tribal sovereignty and self-determination is core to the work we do. I’m looking forward to ensuring Arizona is meeting its government-to-government obligations to our tribal nations.”     In addition to the chair and co-chair, the IPC Caucus includes: ·         Senator Theresa Hatathlie (LD6) ·         Representative Mae Peshlakai (LD6) ·         Representative Tsosie (LD6)       -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 29, 2025   PHOENIX –  Democratic Leaders Senator Priya Sundareshan and Representative Oscar De Los Santos have called for the Attorney General to investigate the Isaac School District for their mismanagement of more than $20 million. This month, the Arizona State Board of Education put the district, serving roughly 5,000 students, under receivership after the full scope of financial mismanagement was revealed. The superintendent has announced his intent to resign, and Democratic Leadership sent a letter to Attorney General Mayes today to move forward and ensure our educators are not only made whole for not being paid yesterday but are paid for the work they are doing today, tomorrow, and in the coming weeks.   “The House and Senate Democratic caucuses proudly support public education in our state, but that support also means we will never turn a blind eye to such blatant mismanagement. District public schools, unlike charter schools or private schools, are designed and operated to be accountable to the public. If this kind of malfeasance had occurred in another kind of school, the public would never know. The doors could be closed without any notice to the families, and no one would know anything untoward had happened. But not so with our district public schools.   They are accountable to the communities they serve, which demand transparency and honest dealings. We demand that same accountability, and we stand with the Isaac School District community.   Today, we have officially requested the Attorney General to do an investigation of the Isaac School District for their mismanagement of over $20 million.” ###