Search Results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 6, 2023 PHOENIX – Representative Laura Terech today reintroduced her school safety bill to help save lives in case of a school shooting by exempting public school campus blueprints from being a public record. Terech introduced the bill last session and saw it gain strong bipartisan support, passing the House Government Committee 9-0. The bill was stopped, however, by an unwritten arbitrary House Republican rule that required a majority of its caucus, 16 members, to sign a whip sheet for the measure to be voted on the floor. Terech successfully debated the bill on the floor and garnered 12 signatures from her Republican colleagues, a super-majority along with unanimous Democratic Caucus support, but nonetheless the bill died. Terech said she has worked throughout the off session to show how House Bill 2032 would increase campus safety, including for law enforcement if there is a campus shooting or emergency, to build additional support for the bill to make it into law in 2024. "As schools become safer with locked doors and single points of entry, it's important for us to stay one step ahead of those with nefarious intent, and that's what this bill does," said Terech, a former elementary school teacher and member of the House's informal Teachers Caucus. "This bill would also keep law enforcement safe. A nightmare scenario is someone using blueprint information to not only harm children, but potentially to harm first responders as they navigate the crisis." In the 2023 mass-casualty school shooting in Nashville, the shooter planned the attack, which including detailed maps of the buildings used to gain entry. Terech came to support the idea of exempting school blueprints from public records laws after researching which states had the lowest number of school shootings relative to population and noted that at least two other states now have similar laws. -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 5, 2023 PHOENIX – Rep. Mariana Sandoval, whose district covers much of Arizona's southern border, called on the federal government to reopen the Lukeville port of entry in her district, which has been temporarily shut by United States Customs and Border Protection due to an influx of migrants seeking asylum. The closure is already having a negative economic impact on border communities, and this impacts entire state. "If we can’t get the produce across the border the entire country will be affected. The Administration needs to redirect staffing to this port and reopen Lukeville immediately," Sandoval said. "The federal government has significant resources and capabilities, and it should divert those resources from other regions -- and from other states, if necessary -- to handle this temporary influx before it causes permanent economic damage to our Tribal, border communities and state. I am hearing from constituents and border communities nonstop because they are unable to travel to see doctors, family, or do business. The impact on tourism could be devastating as well because a lot of these border communities depend on the foot traffic to survive economically. This decision was not well thought out and does not take into account how important legal cross-border traffic is to the lives and livelihoods of all Arizonans." -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 4, 2023 PHOENIX – The Arizona Latino Caucus released the follow statement on the potential passage of SB4 in Texas, which is alarmingly similar to Arizona’s racist SB1070 immigration enforcement bill. “Arizona knows all too well the heartbreaking pain a bill like Texas’ SB4 will bring to everyday people. Our state suffered for far too long under the racist hand of SB1070. There is nothing good – no cost savings, no humanitarian benefit - that will come of racially profiling individuals, ripping families apart and leaving U.S. citizen children orphans through deportation. It is gut wrenching to see time and again that Arizona has become a hub of policy warnings to other states, but we can confidently say that we hope our failures are turned into lessons. Similar in almost every way to Arizona’s SB1070 and California’s Prop 187, SB4 would authorize local and state law enforcement officials to arrest migrants they suspect unlawfully crossed into Texas. It also allows judges the option to order some migrants to return to the country they illegally crossed from instead of pursuing prosecution. If migrants refused to comply with an order to return, they could be charged with a second-degree felony and face up to 20 years in prison. This bill will undoubtably lead to widespread racial profiling and a circumvention of protections asylum seekers have under constitutional law and international obligations. Without proper training and backed by policy filled with xenophobic sentiment, officers will quickly be given authority to make decisions about a person’s immigration status. Despite Arizona’s inability to shield our state from ripping families apart and attacking certain communities based entirely on their race, we urge the Texas Senate to learn from our mistakes and vote NO on SB4.” Additionally, the organization Todos Somos Texas is currently caravaning from California to Texas, to protest the legislation. The group will stop in Arizona and hold a press conference with Latino Caucus members at 2:30 p.m. today on the House Lawn, 1700 W. Washington Street, in Phoenix.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 27, 2023 PHOENIX -- The House and Senate Democratic Caucuses released the following statement to announce that no caucus members will attend Monday's second meeting of the Joint Legislative Ad Hoc Committee on Freedom of Expression at Arizona’s Public Universities. “The last time the Senate and House Democratic Caucuses joined this 'free speech' committee on July 18 it unnecessarily lasted five hours with no discernable value to the public. This committee was nothing more than grandstanding with an attempt to further spread misinformation and division. It was made clear that Republican elected officials continue to prop up falsehoods and possibly undermine the safety of students and faculty, as happened when an alt right camera crew subsequently harassed and assaulted a professor who is a member of the LGBTQ community on the ASU campus. We have no intention of dragging this out further: ASU has the responsibility - not only to their students but to the state - to follow proper protocols so all voices can be heard on campus. We know that ASU followed all traditional procedures to accommodate alt-right conservative speakers. ASU must always follow their procedures no matter who the speaker is. We do not think that this committee will objectively help ASU to take the necessary steps to ensure respect for all speakers to be heard.  Our Democratic Caucus will follow up with ASU and Arizona Board of Regents to confirm improved procedures and consistent application of procedures to protect freedom of speech." -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 20, 2023 PHOENIX – Arizona's 1980 Groundwater Management Act has helped Arizona absorb massive population growth responsibly for more than 40 years. In reported comments this weekend, Senate President Warren Petersen proposed scrapping Arizona's signature long-term water protection requiring a 100-year assured water supply for new development. Petersen, a real estate broker and new home builder, favors a more developer-friendly and shorter window similar to California's at 25 years. Today, Assistant Democratic Leader Oscar De Los Santos and Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, both active on water policy, pledged to oppose any efforts to weaken Arizona's long-term water planning. Governor Katie Hobbs has already declared her opposition. "President Petersen wants to California our Arizona, and that just makes no sense in a desert state mitigating long-term drought," said De Los Santos. "Businesses and families make decisions to invest their lives or their companies here based on assurances we make. Bait and switch should not become state policy. Arizona has a dark history of land fraud that necessitated the Groundwater Management Act in the first place. It would be reckless and irresponsible to go back to those days." Rep. Stahl Hamilton added, "Gutting the 100-year assured water supply requirement might score a quick windfall for unscrupulous developers and realtors, but at what cost to those who buy homes where the water may simply dry up? And at what long-term cost to our state? Common sense dictates that you don't develop land without adequate natural resources for the population, and we will oppose any bill that takes common sense out of the equation."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 27, 2023 PHOENIX – The Arizona House Democratic Caucus today released the following statement regarding the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine: "On Wednesday, a 40-year-old man in Lewiston, Maine, took a weapon of war into a bowling alley and other nearby businesses and massacred 18 innocent people and wounded more than a dozen others. Our hearts break for another community in our country shattered by the epidemic of gun violence. The horror in Lewiston is compounded not because it is rare, but because it is so common. This was the 566th mass shooting in our country this year alone. No other nation on Earth comes anywhere close to the daily death and catastrophe unleashed with firearms on our communities, on our neighbors and families. Our caucus is once again ready to pass common-sense gun safety reforms, ideas backed by vast majorities of the American public who are sick of the bloodshed. But our Republican colleagues with their thin majority must also find the courage to stand up to the powerful gun lobby that encourages and facilitates this violence when they demonize and mischaracterize even minor efforts at reform. It's long past time to do the hard work and for leaders to lead." -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 17, 2023 PHOENIX – Senator Priya Sundareshan and Representative Stacey Travers, who serve on the Governor's bipartisan Water Policy Council and Rural Groundwater Committee, released the following statements after Senator Sine Kerr and the Arizona Farm Bureau announced last week that they were quitting on developing long-term water solutions for rural communities. Sen. Priya Sundareshan, D-Tucson "I am glad that Governor Hobbs has convened a group of stakeholders to discuss how to strengthen groundwater management in our state. It's not a perfect or easy process, but it's the work we must do. I myself have submitted many ideas to the Governor's Water Policy Council for consideration as potential solutions. Not all of them have yet been heard in the Council setting, but I plan to remain engaged in the Council with other stakeholders because that is what I was elected to do. Arizonans are demanding solutions to our water insecurity and we must try our hardest to come together to find those solutions. Our Democratic caucus is committed to keep working on this important issue." Rep. Stacey Travers, D-Phoenix "Our rural communities are hurting. Arizonans are imploring state leaders to take action to protect and conserve our finite water resources, and to help secure our long-term water future for everyone in our rural communities. They feel that their pleas have fallen on deaf ears in the legislature for far too many years. The Governor's Water Policy Council and subcommittees have diverse representation reflecting the rich tapestry of Arizona and its history when it comes to water. And, while the committee members might not necessarily all agree on our politics, we do all agree on our genuine desire to secure Arizona's water future for generations to come. Protecting Arizona’s water resources should always be a non-partisan issue. It is disappointing and unacceptable that a small number of our legislative colleagues and the Farm Bureau have performatively walked away from their seats on this bi-partisan committee, simply because they can't get everything they want. I am sad that disinformation is being spread to create an environment of fear and attempts are being made to minimize progress on water security for our rural communities: an issue that has been long overdue. The reality is: the groundwater management solutions we are developing are bipartisan, practical, locally tailored and rooted in common sense. Let me be clear. I want all the residents in our rural areas - farmers, mine operators, and city-dwellers - to continue to grow and thrive. Failing to act tells rural residents that companies from Saudi Arabia, California, and Minnesota that their actions are justified and Arizona’s aquifers are open for exploitation. It tells rural residents that the person with the deepest pockets and most political influence are the priority. We need to have difficult conversations about how we are planning for the future. Sometimes you have to do hard things that you can't just walk away from.” -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 12, 2023 PHOENIX – Despite a growing economy, Arizona will face a $400 million state budget shortfall in the coming year -- and similar shortfalls the next two years totaling $1 billion – because of reckless Republican tax cuts under Governor Ducey and unaccountable private school tuition subsidies for the wealthiest in the state. This week the Finance Advisory Committee updated its revenue forecast and reported projected shortfalls of $400 million in the current fiscal year, a $449 million shortfall in FY 2025 and $188 million shortfall in FY 2026. The primary cause of the decline is the so-called "flat tax," an irresponsible permanent $2 billion income tax cut primarily benefitting wealthier Arizonans passed by a thin Republican majority and signed by Ducey in 2022. Income tax collections have since dropped by 27.4 percent. Adding to the deficit is an out-of-control private school voucher expansion that now allows families already in private school to get thousands of dollars of state subsidies. Sold to the public as a $33 million expense when passed, the too-good-to-be true subsidies for private schools, ski trips, luxury driving lessons and home gyms could top $1 billion. "Unless Republicans come to their allegedly conservative fiscal senses and agree to put the brakes on their voucher program, they risk devastating cuts to vital state responsibilities like district and charter public schools, public safety and healthcare," said Representative Athena Salman, the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee. "We will already need to approve at least $40 million in supplemental funding in the next session to pay for their spiraling voucher costs. If Republicans are going to cut revenue to the bone, the least they could do is not spend it so irresponsibly." Representative Seth Blattman, the ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, said the flat tax overwhelmingly benefits wealthier taxpayers and has now created a deficit in a growing state with a growing economy that should easily be producing adequate revenue to cover its obligations. "This is the predictable consequence of a flat tax policy whose only real goal is to help the ultra-rich," Blattman said. "We are now looking at budget cuts because of the deficit created by the counterproductive flat tax policy of the previous administration." Blattman added, "Flat tax is a misnomer as it’s a regressive tax policy, as in those who make less money pay a higher effective tax rate than those who make more. Now the neediest among us will get hit on the other side when we have to decide what services to cut to benefit the ultra-wealthy." Democratic Whip Nancy Gutierrez, a public-school teacher who was appointed to a House ad hoc committee to provide oversight of the voucher program, said Republicans have so far shown no appetite for curbing voucher costs even amid reports of extravagant spending and despite the state budget falling into the red. "What's really disappointing is we will have to contemplate budget cuts while vouchers are being used to take ski trips, buy grand pianos, food of the month club memberships, and driving lessons in luxury cars," Gutierrez said. "This was completely predictable and predicted." Gutierrez added, "I was excited to be appointed to the ad hoc oversight committee to propose some controls and limits, but based on our first meeting, we have a long way to go. Hopefully this new data will wake up our colleagues on the other side of the aisle. We need to come together in a bi-partisan way to get a handle on these costs for the good of our state. But unfortunately, at the moment at least, Republicans are representing the state of denial." -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 10, 2023 PHOENIX - House Democratic Leaders today released the following statement regarding the terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel. "We are profoundly heartbroken and horrified by the events unfolding in Israel and Palestine. We unequivocally condemn the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on innocent Israelis, as well as any and all actions that target civilians. Our hearts are with the innocent children and families impacted by the war and experiencing unimaginable violence. Our hearts are also with the global and Arizona Jewish communities. All people, here and across the world, deserve to live in safety and peace." -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct 2, 2023 PHOENIX – To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act, National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2023 has adopted the theme "Advancing Access and Equity." This significant milestone serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges still faced by people with disabilities in the workforce. The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has chosen a theme that echoes a collective call to action. "Advancing Access and Equity" underscores the need for tangible changes in workplace environments, attitudes, and policies. "Despite decades of progress and increased awareness, individuals with disabilities continue to experience disproportionately high rates of unemployment and underemployment," said Representative Jennifer Longdon, a longtime advocate, both inside and outside the Legislature, for people living with disabilities. "Disability should never be a barrier to employment; instead, it should be seen as an opportunity to embrace diverse talents and perspectives." This pressing issue demands a comprehensive response from society, businesses, and policymakers. To bridge the gap between promise and reality, the following actions are crucial: 1. Shifting Mindsets: It is imperative to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about disability. People with disabilities bring a wealth of skills and experiences to the workplace, and recognizing these abilities is essential in fostering inclusivity. 2. Investment in Accessible Infrastructure and Technologies: Businesses and organizations must invest in accessible infrastructure and technologies. From physical accommodations to digital tools, these resources empower individuals with disabilities to perform their jobs efficiently and contribute meaningfully to their workplaces. 3. Promoting Inclusive Policies: Policymakers play a pivotal role in driving change. By enforcing anti-discrimination laws and promoting policies that incentivize inclusive hiring practices, governments can create an environment where businesses are encouraged to diversify their workforce. 4. Education and Awareness: Educational institutions should focus on nurturing empathy and understanding among students. By instilling these values at an early age, future generations will contribute to a society where inclusivity is a natural and fundamental aspect of every workplace. Longdon added, "as we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we urge individuals, businesses, and governments to reflect on the theme of 'Advancing Access and Equity' and recognize people with disabilities at innovative problem solvers. It is only through collective efforts, proactive measures, and a commitment to inclusivity that we can transform the promise of equal opportunities into a reality for all." About National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM): National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) has been observed annually in October since 1945. It celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. NDEAM is led by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) under the U.S. Department of Labor. About the Rehabilitation Act: The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a landmark legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by federal agencies, in programs receiving federal financial assistance, in federal employment, and in the employment practices of federal contractors. The act was pivotal in promoting equal opportunities and access for individuals with disabilities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 22, 2023 PHOENIX – Earlier this week, Senate President Warren Petersen appeared on a local news radio program and incorrectly stated multiple times that homeless shelters in Phoenix, including "the Zone" near the Capitol, "have empty beds right now." The comment was in defense of an amicus brief filed in federal court by Petersen and Speaker Ben Toma seeking authority to forcibly remove and jail people experiencing homelessness. “The fact is, with an ongoing affordable housing crisis and more than 28,000 Arizonans falling in and out of homelessness this year, the downtown Phoenix shelters are overwhelmed,” said Representative Analise Ortiz. Ortiz is working with other Democratic lawmakers, the Governor's staff, and service providers on comprehensive solutions that don't criminalize people for simply existing without shelter. "To go on the air and give the public the impression that people living outside at the Zone could simply step inside a shelter and find an empty bed is wrong and irresponsible," said Ortiz. "The experts working in our shelter network attest that there are only 2,182 shelter beds in Maricopa County. Yet, there are 5,000 adults currently on the waitlist for housing. There are essentially zero open beds and not enough permanent housing, so where exactly are people supposed to go?" Assistant House Democratic Leader Oscar De Los Santos added that homelessness is a problem to solve, not a crime to prosecute. Indiscriminately sweeping people from the street and throwing them into jail will not solve this crisis. "The Republican proposal to use city police officers to forcibly remove vulnerable people from the street and incarcerate them is short-sighted and places the cost of homelessness squarely on the taxpayers," De Los Santos said. "It costs more money to lock someone up in prison than to pay for the drug treatment, mental health treatment, and housing resources to ensure vulnerable Arizonans are placed on a permanent path of financial independence." Republican lawmakers have also stood squarely opposed to community-based solutions, like the City of Scottsdale's successful effort working with a participating hotel to provide transitional housing for homeless families and veterans. House Republicans held a hearing in Scottsdale recently to question the mayor and stir up community opposition to the program. "It's frustrating when a city comes forward with a well-thought-out program that works, and Republicans rush out to preempt it," said Rep. Judy Schwiebert, who attended the hearing. "Scottsdale has an 84 percent success rate in this public-private partnership that’s helping their city’s senior residents and single families with children have safe, temporary shelter with wrap-around services to support them in getting rehoused. Too many of our neighbors are just one paycheck from losing their homes. We should be encouraging and standing behind success, not standing in its way." To that, Ortiz added, "If President Petersen is serious about tackling the root causes of homelessness, Democrats have been ready to start a bipartisan process of proposing real solutions. In fact, this week House and Senate Democrats convened the first meeting of our Housing Working Group, an intensive, weeks-long stakeholder process to draft language for legislation on housing and homelessness. We welcome Republican leadership to work seriously work with us and the homeless service providers who are on the frontlines every day. Those who are most directly impacted have been shouting from the rooftops that we do not have enough shelter beds, health care resources, or permanent housing and we can't solve that by throwing people in jail. It's time for Republican leadership to genuinely listen." You can hear President Petersen's radio interview here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 5, 2023 PHOENIX – Representative Jennifer Longdon said today she is more committed than ever to pass a firearms safe-storage law in Arizona after a toddler "got hold of a gun" and shot a father in the back earlier this morning at their apartment in Mesa. Thankfully, the man is expected to survive. Last session, Rep. Longdon introduced House Bill 2192, a safe-storage requirement for homes dubbed "Christian's Law" in honor of Christian Petillo of Gilbert, who at the age of 15 was accidentally shot and killed with an unsecured firearm while at a sleepover with friends. Although common-sense gun violence prevention measures like safe storage are supported by nearly 80 percent of Americans, Republicans blocked the effort and refused to hear the bill. "Today's near tragedy in Mesa is yet another wakeup call," said Longdon, herself a survivor of gun violence. "Preventable gun violence is a national health crisis, and there is no more preventable act of gun violence than an accidental shooting by a child. My bill, which I will reintroduce in January, simply says that guns stored at home, when not on your person or in use, be stored safely in a securely locked box, or be equipped with a key or combination lock. These locks are designed for quick access to the firearm if needed, but not quick access by a child. We should not wait until another life is lost to display some basic common sense."