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March 21, 2024 Mr. Charlie Baker President of the NCAA 700 W. Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 On April 6-8, the Valley of the Sun will once again host the NCAA Men's Final Four, a point of pride for our state and a showcase to the world of the state we all love. When your organization selected Arizona as its 2024 location, you chose a welcoming state with a growing economy where communities have worked hard to put a dark history of bigotry, discrimination, and racial profiling in the rearview mirror when major portions of 2010's controversial Senate Bill 1070 were set aside as unconstitutional. Hispanics now make up a third of our state, and our economic buying power has doubled in our economy since 2015 to nearly $50 billion a year. But, as the games near tip-off, that reputation, that positive economic trajectory, and most importantly, our rights as Latinos and people of color in this state are once again at risk. On March 4, Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed Senate Bill 1231, an unconstitutional measure that would have legalized and encouraged racial profiling by police and divided our communities and our state along the same lines as Senate Bill 1070 just over a decade ago. That bill cost our state hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to our economy, especially to our agricultural and tourism industries. We hope that you would agree with the Governor's decision and would agree that locating a tournament or a convention in a state where residents can be targeted and detained because of the color of their skin is a tacit endorsement of that policy. If you remember, Arizona lost out on the 1993 Super Bowl because a bigoted previous Governor rescinded a holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and we did not host our first Super Bowl until 1996 after voters spoke up and passed our current King holiday. The Governor's veto was a welcome development, but Arizona's business community and economy faces another pending threat. First, Republicans have threatened to continue passing the same bill until the Governor relents, and if she doesn’t, they will take the measure to the 2024 Arizona ballot. Additionally, House Concurrent Resolution 2060, a profoundly discriminatory and anti-business companion measure that could also end up on the 2024 statewide ballot, would burden Arizona businesses of all sizes with extensive new requirements to use E-Verify for subcontractors, to obtain business licenses and to obtain public services. This measure has cleared the House, and if passed by the Senate and approved by voters, it would duplicate other effective measures that bar undocumented Arizona residents from obtaining services and would overlay confusing and costly new burdens on businesses. We do not need another measure that damages our reputation, spreads fear, and divides our state while increasing costs for businesses and prices for consumers. What we do need is your voice. We urge you to speak out against this legislation by joining more than 100 diverse business leaders who have publicly objected. And we encourage you to make future location decisions accordingly. Immigration policy is a federal responsibility. States cannot and should not have patchwork immigration laws. Join us in opposing HCR 2060 and in demanding Congress and the Administration to set aside partisan differences and get to work passing a negotiated bill to send out border states like ours the resources we need immediately to handle this ongoing humanitarian crisis.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 25, 2024 PHOENIX –Urging early detection and diagnoses, Representative Judy Schwiebert today passed a House proclamation honoring National Cerebral Palsy Day. She also announced that Governor Hobbs will light the Executive Tower green tonight in honor of National Cerebral Palsy Day and Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in children, impacting 17 million people around the world. With more than a dozen guests from United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona in the gallery, Schwiebert urged parents to pursue early diagnosis. Infants can be diagnosed as early as three months old, and children are on averaged diagnosed by age 2. "Early detection can impact the trajectory of a life," Schwiebert said. "Early detection leads to early medical management and therapy, which leads to increased acceptance, empowerment and opportunities down the road." Learn more about cerebral palsy and the work of United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 18, 2024 PHOENIX—Representative Analise Ortiz released the following statement today after Governor Hobbs vetoed House Bill 2570, the Arizona Starter Homes Act. "I am deeply saddened and disappointed in the Governor’s decision to veto the Arizona Starter Homes Act.  HB2570 was a historic bipartisan solution to our state’s housing crisis and it would have created a pathway to the American dream of homeownership that too many Arizonans find themselves locked out of.I am equally frustrated that while other states are proactively addressing housing in an urgent and deliberate manner, Arizona continues to kick the can down the road.  Status quo is clearly not working and believing that things will change without policies like the Arizona Starter Homes Act is, at best, wishful thinking.I don’t know what the Governor’s plan is for housing.  But I do hope that whatever she does have planned includes policies to expand the state’s inventory of modest, starter homes, and homes on small lots—homes that our parents and grandparents purchased many years ago that allowed them to build generational wealth, lay roots in their communities, and break the cycles of poverty." --30--

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 26, 2024 PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has appointed Dr. Elda Luna-Nájera to fill the vacant seat in Legislative District 22, which will bring the House Democratic Caucus back to its full strength at 29 members. Luna-Nájera is a licensed master social worker and is the current President of the Tolleson Union High School District Governing Board. She has spent most of her professional career working with non-profits and public education. In addition to her role on the Governing Board, she is currently the District's liaison for foster care and homeless education. " I am honored and humbled by this opportunity. Serving as the LD22 House Representative is a responsibility I don't take lightly," Luna-Nájera said. "I am excited to be a voice for my community and look forward to collaborating with my seatmates Democratic Leader Contreras and Senator Diaz to advance our district's priorities. I thank leadership for their trust and support." An Arizona native, Luna-Nájera is a first-generation Mexican American whose parents were immigrants from Mexico. Luna-Nájera earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Arizona State University, and her doctorate in social work from the University of Southern California. She has been married for 26 years and is the mother of five children. "With Dr. Luna-Nájera, our caucus returns to full strength, but more importantly we gain another powerful voice for public education," said House Democratic Leader Lupe Contreras. "She also has tremendous experience working with families who are struggling, who experiencing homelessness. Those issues are front and center right now and her expertise will benefit our caucus, her constituents and our entire state." Details of Luna-Nájera's swearing in will be forthcoming. -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 14, 2024 PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has appointed attorney Charles Lucking of Phoenix to fill the legislative seat vacated by the recent resignation of Representative Amish Shah in Legislative District 5. Lucking, a fourth-generation Arizona native, works for Community Legal Services where he defends tenants facing eviction. "I'm very excited and honored to be representing LD 5 in the legislature," Lucking said. "Arizona is facing a mountain of very complex challenges, such as our housing crisis. I'm eager to get started doing the hard work as a servant of the people to implement real solutions for all Arizonans." In addition to his community-focused legal work, Lucking is a former United States Peace Corps volunteer where he served in the island nation of Samoa and met his now wife, Skye, who was also volunteering. The Luckings are raising two children, a 5-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son, along with two dogs and a flock of six chickens. Lucking was born and raised in Phoenix where he attended Central High School. Following his graduation, he pursued higher education at Claremont McKenna College. After completing his undergraduate studies, he returned to Arizona to earn his law degree at Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. "With the appointment of Charles Lucking, Arizona and our caucus has gained a passionate champion who is committed to use his legal expertise to address pressing social issues, including the housing crisis and environmental conservation," said House Democratic Leader Lupe Contreras. "Deep roots and unwavering dedication to service, advocacy, and community empowerment will make Representative Lucking an impactful addition to our caucus." -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 8, 2024 PHOENIX- Military and overseas voters will get their 2024 ballots on time, and Arizona will deliver its 11 electoral votes in the upcoming presidential elections – even in the event of a recount – after the Arizona Legislature passed a bi-partisan package of emergency fixes today. Governor Hobbs is expected to sign House Bill 2785. The new law will move up Arizona's 2024 primary election date and adjust the five-day ballot curing period with new processes to ensure as many eligible votes as possible can be counted. Every Senate and House Democrat voted yes to pass the critical negotiated fixes with an emergency clause so county recorders and elections officials can implement the changes immediately. The measure passed first in the House by a vote of 56-2 with all Democrats voting yes. In the Senate, the bill passed 24-2. “From the moment negotiations began we had the simple request that the fix to this issue must not be weaponized to harm voters, and today I can confidently say that we have been successful,” Senate Democratic Leader Mitzi Epstein stated. “I applaud the work of Senator Priya Sundareshan and our staff that made sure this hard-fought bipartisan solution made it across the finish line. This is a moment of celebration because collaboration works. Arizonans have asked time and again for us to find common-sense bipartisan solutions to the state’s biggest problems and we have delivered.” "Our goal was a clean fix, and this bill comes very close. It's not perfect, but it is a true bi-partisan compromise that will protect voters and help keep our elections free, fair, and secure," said House Democratic Leader Lupe Contreras. "I'm proud of the work our members did to keep this plan alive and moving forward, including Representative Laura Terech who was instrumental to our success." -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 7, 2024 PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has appointed community and non-profit leader Sarah Liguori to fill a seat in the Democratic Caucus vacated recently by Representative Jennifer Longdon. This marks a return to the House for Liguori, who previously served in 2021 and 2022 after being appointed to replace former Representative Aaron Lieberman. "I am honored and eager to return to the Legislature and to the work I love," said Liguori. "I'm looking forward to being back with my Democratic caucus as we push for solutions that will improve the lives of those who live in our great state." An Arizona native with a long history of community engagement, Liguori currently serves as a senior director at the Arizona Community Foundation where she oversees an affordable housing and rural development loan fund. With a background in economics from the University of Arizona, Liguori also brings business experience working in commercial real estate and financial planning to her new role. "We could not be more thrilled that Sarah Liguori is returning to our caucus," said House Democratic Leader Lupe Contreras. "She was an exceptional and effective member in her prior service – always thoughtful and always laser-focused on her constituents. We expect her to pick up right where she left off." -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 31, 2024 PHOENIX – House Democratic Leaders released the following statement regarding today's resignation of Representative Leezah Sun after the House Ethics Committee unanimously concluded that she engaged in a pattern of disorderly behavior. Sun resigned shortly before today's House floor session effective immediately. The leadership team filed the ethics complaint against Sun on November 2. "Our Democratic leadership team is grateful to the Ethics Committee for its diligent, intensive and transparent work on this report, and to the witnesses who came forward to share their stories under incredibly difficult circumstances. The facts are overwhelmingly clear and speak for themselves. Representative Sun engaged in a pattern of disorderly behavior that damaged the reputation of the House. This is a solemn day, but Representative Sun did what's best for our state and for the integrity of this body."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 31, 2024 PHOENIX – Tempe business and community leader Jevin Hodge has been appointed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to replace former Representative Athena Salman, who resigned to pursue other opportunities on January 1. Hodge will be sworn in on Friday afternoon. Hodge is a Tempe native, raised by his single mother (Tempe City Council Member Berdetta Hodge) in public housing. A graduate of George Washington University, he now works as Director of National Engagement, Partnerships, and Innovation for the consulting firm LINK Strategic Partners. He also serves as President and Chairman of the Board for the non-profit Booker T. Washington Child Development Center, the longest-running Head Start program in the state. Most recently, Hodge came close to unseating longtime incumbent Republican Congressman David Schweikert in 2022. "The American Dream is alive and well.  I am living proof," said Hodge. "Growing up, my family didn’t have much.  We lived in public housing and we needed government assistance just to get by. Slowly, our lives got better. My mother always told me to never forget where we came from - and to make sure we found a way to give back. I am humbled by this appointment and grateful to all who supported me. Now, it’s time to get to work. My door is open to anyone who wants to make a difference for Arizona." "Jevin Hodge has worked hard and risen to become one of the most dynamic and impactful young leaders in our party," said House Democratic Leader Lupe Contreras. "We are honored and excited to welcome Jevin – along with the energy and fire he brings to everything he does – to our caucus."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 25, 2024 PHOENIX – House Democratic Leaders released the following statement regarding the announcement that Representative Jennifer Longdon will resign her seat on Friday for a new career opportunity. "Representative Longdon has been one of Arizona's most effective and compassionate leaders, both inside and outside the Legislature. On the issues of gun violence prevention and advocating for the rights of those living with disabilities, there is no stronger voice. On behalf of our caucus and the constituents she has served so well, we are grateful for her work and the lives she has impacted. We will miss her presence but we also know that her work will continue and that great things lie ahead."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 23, 2024 PHOENIX – Earlier today, the Arizona Department of Water Resources initiated steps to potentially declare the Gila Bend Groundwater Basin southwest of the Valley – which has been in significant decline -- an Active Management Area to mitigate the impacts of excessive, unsustainable groundwater pumping. Senator Priya Sundareshan and Representative Christopher Mathis, who are the ranking Democrats on the Senate and House Natural Resources, Energy and Water committees, commended Governor Katie Hobbs and her administration for taking these critical first steps to protect rural groundwater supplies for future generations. ADWR will hold an informal public meeting to initiate procedures to designate the Gila Bend Groundwater Basin as an AMA from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday Jan. 30 (in-person and virtually). Details here. "I commend Governor Hobbs for following through on her promise to take action in the face of continued refusal by our Republican colleagues to consider any meaningful solutions to address the lack of protections for rural groundwater in most of the state," Mathis said. "This should be a wake-up call for the Legislature to finally pass a bill that gives localities the tools they need to manage their groundwater supplies for all who rely on them.” “Protecting Arizona’s groundwater must be larger than partisan politics," Sundareshan added. "I applaud this action taken by ADWR but must stress that we need to move faster and more comprehensively to protect the long-term health of our rural aquifers and ensure our children and grandchildren have water for the next 100 years. The current reality in Arizona is that if we fail to update the Groundwater Management Act soon, the long-term health of our water basins may never recover. The days of working in silos on water policy are over; it’s time to have honest and transparent negotiations amongst all interested stakeholders.” ADWR outlined the groundwater conditions in the Gila Bend basin, and others, at an August meeting of the Governor's Water Policy Council Rural Groundwater Committee. -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 12, 2024 PHOENIX – Earlier today Governor Katie Hobbs released her second-year budget plan to keep our economy growing by continued investment in public education, additional focus on our affordable housing crisis and protecting our most vulnerable Arizonans. The Governor's budget also proposes reforms to an out-of-control Republican ESA voucher scheme for private schools, and strategic budget solutions to address a mounting revenue shortfall driven by Ducey-era tax cuts for the wealthy. "We applaud the Governor for producing a budget that protects the priorities that will drive our state forward and that our caucus has consistently championed for our communities – public education, affordable housing, childcare for working families and vital services for the most vulnerable Arizonans. She is listening and leading," said House Democratic Leader Lupe Contreras. "However, decades of irresponsible Republican tax policies and expansion of ESA vouchers with no oversight have created a revenue shortfall that appears to be ballooning. Even in a strong and growing economy, our job gets tougher every day. We will have to work very hard and together to fulfill our obligations to help our most vulnerable populations, to fund our public-school students and teachers, to ensure public safety, to help our overburdened border communities and to secure our incarcerated populations. We have our starting point and it's time for the adults in the room to get to work on some tough decisions." -30-