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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 12, 2023 PHOENIX – House Democratic Leader Andrés Cano released the following statement regarding today's vote to expel Representative Liz Harris. “This is a sad day for our institution. But it is a necessary day. There has been real damage done to the lives and reputations of people who did not deserve it. Most importantly, the integrity of this House has been jeopardized. Misinformation, lies, and conspiracies are not harmless, and it's not just politics. The defamatory allegations that Representative Harris' invited her guest speaker to make are patently absurd, but there are many people who believe them. They believe the lies, and they continue to threaten retribution because we dispute them. They believe those lies because a State Representative, Liz Harris, platformed and legitimized them in a televised legislative hearing – where they were immediately picked up by partisan media and social media influencers -- and then she congratulated her guest speaker as 'brave' for her presentation. The integrity of our institution was damaged in that moment. That damage continues to accumulate, and for that there must be accountability. I want to thank the House Ethics Committee for taking this matter seriously, and for upholding their duty to gather facts and evidence. That evidence is clear – a member of this House plotted, and then repeatedly lied to advance false and defamatory allegations in a televised legislative hearing. She lied about her role in this effort to mainstream a conspiracy that a federal judge had already labeled as 'delusional.' Representative Harris's actions were reckless and unbecoming of any elected official -- and the repercussions of this behavior are beyond comprehension. I hope that this action will help restore integrity and honor to this Chamber." -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 11, 2023 PHOENIX – House Democratic Leader Andrés Cano said it's time for House Republicans to hold Representative Liz Harris accountable following a House Ethics Committee report released today. The report can be read here. Democratic Representative Stephanie Stahl Hamilton of Tucson filed the ethics complaint on March 6 after Republicans failed to act after Harris invited a speaker to February 28 joint Elections Committee hearing who used the legislative platform to level wild and unproven criminal allegations against multiple public officials and judges – including the Speaker of the House – as well the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “I appreciate the diligent and transparent work done by the House Ethics Committee. The findings are definite and supported by evidence and testimony— and it is now time for House Republicans to hold Representative Harris accountable," Cano said. "When House Democrats asked for a censure earlier this year, House Republicans said no. The report now clearly demonstrates that Representative Harris has damaged the integrity of the institution that we all hold dear, and House Republicans need to tell us what their plan is to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 4, 2023 PHOENIX – Senate and House Democratic Leaders praised Governor Hobbs' veto earlier today of Senate Bill 1600. The bill would have imposed criminal penalties on doctors if they don't comply with executing forced futile medical measures on a miscarried or stillborn fetus that is not viable outside of the womb. This bill is pushed by extremists, not medical evidence. Opposed by major medical associations, the bill would have devastating impacts on families experiencing complex pregnancy outcomes by inserting the government squarely in the middle of doctor-patient relationships. "Doctors are already required to provide appropriate medical care by law, and Governor Hobbs followed their lead by vetoing Senate Bill 1600 " said House Democratic Leader Andrés Cano. "These incredibly difficult decisions can and should be made by doctors in consultation with patients—not politicians.” “This is not about abortion. Arizona’s abortion ban at 15-weeks gestation is in effect,” said Senate Democratic Leader Epstein. “Senate Bill 1600 is a cruel attempt to interfere with evidence-based medical decision-making between patients and their physicians in often tragic and unexpected situations. Thank you, Governor Hobbs, for understanding that this bill is inaccurate, disingenuous, and offensive to pregnant people and the medical professionals who provide their care.” “As a mother and expectant mother, this is personal for me,” Representative Athena Salman said. “Decisions regarding my pregnancy are between me and my physician, not extremists intent on spreading medical disinformation to incite emotions. Thank you, Governor Hobbs, for your unwavering commitment to defend the autonomy and rights of pregnant people by vetoing this offensive bill.” “This bill specifically requires intervention on a non-viable fetus. Not only is it cruel to perform potentially painful procedures when there is no hope of success, but the bill has opposition from neonatologists, maternal-fetal medicine physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists,” Senator Minority Whip Eva Burch stated. “The government should not be forcing futile medical intervention upon grieving families, while threatening medical providers with criminal prosecution for doing what’s right for their patients. The inclusion of abortion clinics in the bill language confirms that this legislation is intended to target pre-viable fetuses, since no abortion clinic in the state performs procedures beyond 15 weeks gestation. Nobody is protected or supported by these kinds of measures.” -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 15, 2023 WASHINGTON, D.C. – In February Arizona learned that federal transportation authorities had rejected its request for $360 million in matching funds to widen a constricted 26-mile corridor of I-10 on the Gila River Indian Community. The largest of nine 2022 "mega grant" projects awarded was $292 million, and the average award was $130 million. On Wednesday Representative Myron Tsosie, Republican House Transportation Chairman David Cook and Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis met with U.S. Department of Transportation officials and Senator Mark Kelly and staff for Senator Kyrsten Sinema to urge consideration of a scaled-back $130 million grant request. That request, if approved, could still move the project forward along with $640 million of accumulated state and Maricopa Association of Governments funding, Tsosie said. "We greatly appreciate officials from the Department of Transportation and our Senators for hearing our concerns," said Tsosie, the ranking Democratic member on the House Transportation Committee. "Reconsidering and granting funds to widen the I-10 would be a huge benefit to the Gila River Indian Community and to our statewide economy that heavily relies on this important but overworked transit corridor. The meetings went well and we are optimistic about the outcomes." In addition to meeting with Sen. Kelly and Sen. Sinema's staff, the delegation met with Christopher Coes, Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, Paul Baumer, Senior Policy Advisor for Infrastructure Finance & Innovation and former Arizona State Representative Arlando Teller who is now Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 10, 2023 PHOENIX – House Democrats today urged stakeholders to keep working on a negotiated solution to restore water service to a wealthy unincorporated community north of Scottsdale called Rio Verde Foothills. However, an amended bill that failed on the House floor Thursday fell far short of the mark because it would still allow wildcat subdivisions like Rio Verde Foothills to sprout and grow despite no long-term water supply and would force their county or neighboring cities to provide them water. Following the failure of House Bill 2561 (sponsored by Republican Representative Alexander Kolodin), Democratic Representative Stephanie Stahl Hamilton of Tucson, outlined in detail the flaws in the bill and an extensive amendment dropped shortly before debate. "Democrats have repeatedly tried to work with Republicans on closing the wildcat subdivision loophole that created this problem in the first place and we are either met with resistance or straight-up silence every time," Stahl Hamilton said. "This bill gets progressively worse with every amendment. The sponsor didn’t describe the extent of his amendment, so let me highlight just a few provisions that speak for themselves: First, it removes language that prohibited Maricopa County from issuing more building permits in Rio Verde Foothills until there is a permanent water solution. This was ostensibly the best reform in this bill and it has now been removed. Second, it would then allow the amount of water provided to Rio Verde Foothills to be INCREASED if it doesn’t reduce the physical amount of water that Scottsdale gets. No one believes that Scottsdale will literally run out of water to provide its residents—but why are we not concerned about the cost to Scottsdale residents once we hit a Tier 3 shortage in a few months and Scottsdale loses a huge portion of its Colorado River allotment? Rio Verde Foothills is not the first and sadly will not be the last community to be thoughtlessly erected in a remote area without adequate water. We must not set a dangerous precedent here atoning for the sins of greedy developers without any meaningful solution for the wildcat subdivision problem. We have Indigenous communities across this state who have never had reliable access to water. Where’s the bill to force municipalities to provide them water?" The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to reject the proposal that would be forced upon them with HB2561. Their statement can be found here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 7, 2023 PHOENIX – The Indigenous Peoples Caucus today offered its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of former Representative and Senator Jack Jackson Sr., who passed on Sunday at the age of 89. Jackson was born in Leupp, Arizona on the Navajo Nation and resided in Teetso. Jackson served nearly two decades in the Legislature before retiring in 2004. In his last Senate term, he served with his son, then Representative Jack Jackson Jr., becoming the first father and son to serve together in the Arizona Legislature. Prior to his legislative service, Jackson also served on the Navajo Nation Council from 1980 to 1984. IPC Chairwoman Mae Peshlakai, and members Representatives Myron Tsosie, Senator Sally Ann Gonzalez and Senator Theresa Hatathlie shared their deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Senator Jackson. On behalf of former Senator Jack Jackson Jr. and the family, the IPC is sharing the following family history and statement: In Remembrance of Jack Chee Jackson, Sr. On March 5, 2023, Dr. Jack C. Jackson, Sr. began his journey to the spirit world. He is Diné born of the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House) Clan, born for the Áshįįhí (Salt People) Clan. His maternal grandfather is from the Táchii’nii (Red Running into Water) Clan, and his paternal grandfather is from the Todich’ii’nii (Bitter Water People) Clan. Born in 1932 in Leupp, Arizona on the Navajo Nation, Dr. Jack C. Jackson and his identical twin brother, Dr. Dean C. Jackson, were educated at the Chilocco Indian Vocational High School in Chilocco, OK. After matriculating from high school, Dr. Jackson went on to receive his Bachelor of Science and master's degrees in Secondary Education from Northern Arizona University. He was bestowed an honorary doctorate degree from Bacone College in Muskogee, OK in 2019 for his tireless career as an educator. Dr. Jackson started his teaching career in 1957 at Window Rock High School as a Social Studies, Health, and Physical Education instructor. At Diné College, formerly Navajo Community College, he was Athletic Director, Director of Student Affairs, and head basketball coach. Eventually, Dr. Jackson became the Director of the Office of Diné Education Philosophy which ensured the uniqueness of the college was carried out with Western and Diné knowledge. Dr. Jackson believed the education of Navajo children was a vital means to make certain the Diné were prosperous, but he also realized there was another avenue to help the citizens of the Navajo Nation and so began his political career. He served as a member of the Navajo Nation Council representing the Fort Defiance Agency from 1980 to 1984. After consulting with his wife, fellow educator Eloise A. Jackson, he successfully ran for a seat in the Arizona House of Representatives where he served for 14 years before transitioning to the Senate chamber where he served for an additional 5 ½. In his final term as Senator, he proudly served alongside his son, Representative Jack C. Jackson, Jr. Senator Jackson had many accomplishments in the Arizona legislature. He was instrumental in passing the bill establishing the Arizona Indian Legislative Day that occurs at the beginning of every session of the Legislature and is ongoing to this day. Indian Legislative Day affords a unique opportunity for all of Arizona’s 22 tribal governments to make their voices and concerns heard at the Capitol. Senator Jackson was most proud of his bill ensuring Transaction Privilege Tax funds were allotted to tribal educational institutions in addition to the counties, towns and municipalities that had received these monies for years. The passage of the TPT bill in 1999 provided 17.5 million dollars in funding for Diné College over ten years. This Compact has been renewed for two more ten-year periods. It has heralded his commitment to education and is his greatest legislative legacy. Jack Jackson was more than an educator and political leader, however. While he and his brother Dean were at boarding school in Oklahoma, they were exposed to their first rodeo experience. At that time, there wasn’t any organized rodeo circuit for Native Americans. When they returned to the Navajo Nation after graduation, they founded the All-Indian Rodeo Cowboy Association which helped the burgeoning Native rodeo circuit. They also competed in calf and team roping events. Today, many Native rodeo competitors have the Jackson twins to thank for their successful careers. Jack and Dean were also accomplished athletes on the basketball court which naturally progressed into coaching. Jack saw education and coaching as equally valuable ways to nurture young minds and bodies. Dr. Jack Jackson was Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Health Authority in the Office of Student Affairs and Native Healing Sciences. This led to him pursuing more study to become a Medicine Man. After many years, Jack was ordained in the Female Windway Ceremony and the Bowguard Ceremony. He was one of the Founders of the Navajo Traditional Healing Services Practitioners and Medicine Men Association. He also served as President of the Native American Church of Navajoland from 1971 to 1975. Jack will be interred on Thursday, March 9th next to his twin brother Dr. Dean C. Jackson at their family homestead in Teesto, AZ. He was also preceded in death by his daughter Janice A. Jackson and his wife Eloise A. Jackson. He is survived by his children Ronald Jackson, Jack C. Jackson, Jr., and Dr. Florinda J. Jackson. He has five grandchildren: Rudy Ray Arviso, Amelia Grace Hubbell, Patrick Dean Hubbell, Kelly Marie Hubbell-Hinton, Reuben Jack Hubbell and five great-grandchildren. FAMILY STATEMENT: Dr. Jack C. Jackson’s family honors their patriarch’s legacy as a spiritual leader, Medicine Man, educator, legislator, rodeo cowboy, rancher, athlete and coach, and a fierce defender of preserving and prolonging Diné traditions, culture and language so future Navajo generations will continue to prosper and thrive. He will be greatly missed and is deeply loved. -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 6, 2023 PHOENIX – House Democrats, led by Representative Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, today moved to formally censure Republican Representative Liz Harris over untrue and defamatory criminal allegations against multiple public officials – including the Speaker of the House – made by her invited guest at a joint Elections Committee hearing on February 23. The motion alleged that Harris engaged in disorderly conduct and facilitated defamation against the Speaker and other elected officials, judges and city employees. Stahl Hamilton added that Harris's actions have brought disrepute and embarrassment to the House of Representatives and aided the spread of harmful lies that have spread exponentially via social media and right-wing news outlets. Instead of entertaining the motion, Republicans instead moved to recess with no action taken. Stahl Hamilton immediately filed an ethics complaint against Harris [See attachment]. "Eleven days ago, Representative Liz Harris invited a guest to speak at a joint Elections Committee hearing," Stahl Hamilton said. "Her star witness used our institution and platform to level – and put into the record -- vile smears of laundering money for the Sinaloa Drug Cartel against dozens of sitting judges, elected officials, and the entire Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." She added, "These lies were picked up by partisan right-wing publications and social media influencers and quickly spread around the world before the truth could put on its pants. The damage can't be undone, but there should be some accountability while it's still spreading and compounding." Stahl Hamilton waited until Monday to make the motion and file the complaint in hopes that Republican members, who have distanced themselves from Harris, would step up and demand accountability. But during that time, a coordinated email campaign has sent hundreds of messages threatening retribution against any members who try to hold Harris accountable for her damaging actions. "I will not be intimidated," Stahl Hamilton said. "The lies must end now." -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 28, 2023 PHOENIX – House Democratic Leader Andrés Cano issued the following statement today after Democratic members with bills ready for a floor vote were told they must obtain signatures from at least 16 of 31 Republican members in order for their bills to get a full vote. In protest, Democrats voted no on all bills moving through the chamber throughout the afternoon. "Democrats in this Chamber have had enough. Today a number of our bills cleared Committee of the Whole debate -- meaning they should be put on the board of truth to see if they have support from a majority of this body – but now we find that the goal posts have been moved yet again. Our members did the hard work, getting stakeholders on board, gaining bi-partisan support to get these bills through committee. But apparently, a new and completely arbitrary rule has been imposed upon Democratic members. That rule, which is written nowhere because it's completely antithetical to representative government, is that our members must get at least 16 Republican signatures on one of these green sheets – a majority of the majority – or else their bill will not be on third read. That means if all 29 members of our caucus support one of our colleague's bills, but only 15 of 31 Republicans like the idea, then it's dead. A bill with a literal Super Majority plus four extra votes, will not move out of this chamber! For example, one of the bills debated today has our full caucus support plus 12 Republican signatures. Over and over, this member was told by Republican on this floor 'I'll be the 16th signature, come to me when you have 15 signatures.' That is wrong. That is not the process. Any bi partisan Democratic idea, no matter how valid, no matter how important to the future of our state, can be stopped because in this chamber the tail wags the dog. We will not be taken for granted. Until this process is once again deliberative and representative, I vote no." -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 20, 2023 PHOENIX – The new dynamic dual Chairs of the Arizona LGBTQ Caucus plan to be a strong voice for equality and dignity in a legislative session with multiple bills circulating that scapegoat and target the LGBTQ community, especially transgender youth. Freshman Representatives Patty Contreras and Oscar De Los Santos, both of Phoenix, were recently chosen as co-Chairs of the Caucus. “I have been in this community for over four decades. The recent attacks on gay, lesbian, and transgender people are the most toxic I have ever seen," said Contreras, D-Phoenix. "We need to stop vilifying our LGBTQ neighbors. We are your sisters and brothers, bankers and bus drivers, public servants, and professionals. We deserve to live long, happy, and healthy lives just like everyone else. There are over a dozen bills in the state legislature that are mean-spirited and hurtful to our community, especially our youth. We can and must do better.” "The people of Arizona are open and inclusive. It’s the politicians who are trying to divide us," said De Los Santos, D-Phoenix. "That’s why we’re fighting to end the attacks on LGBTQ community, and especially the hateful attacks on transgender kids. Our message is simple: Everyone is equal and deserves the full protection of the law." -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PHOENIX – House Democratic Leader Andrés Cano released the following statement regarding Governor Katie Hobbs' veto of the partisan GOP budget that included no input from Democratic lawmakers or the governor. “Let us be clear: Republican lawmakers unilaterally introduced a sham budget that they knew would be vetoed. This was a colossal waste of time by the GOP involved no opportunity for compromise or negotiation. Our doors remain open to Republican lawmakers who are serious about tackling the pressing needs of our state. We look forward to working on a bipartisan budget that will invest in our schools, tackle inflation, create jobs, and combat rising housing costs.” -30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 13, 2023 Miranda, Hernandez Push Bill to Address Affordable Housing Crisis PHOENIX – With rents and homelessness continuing to rise, two Arizona Legislators are teaming up with legislation to address the crisis. Senator Catherine Miranda and Representative Lydia Hernandez, both of Phoenix, have sponsored twin omnibus bills to: Create a statewide eviction diversion and prevention program. Launch an affordable housing pilot program that renovates and uses vacant commercial, hotel and state-owned spaces. Create a Homeless Persons' Bill of Rights. Fund a grant program for cities, towns, counties and Indigenous Communities to find housing and wrap-around mental health and substance abuse services for unsheltered people. Hernandez' has sponsored HB2734 in the House while Miranda sponsored SB1585 in the Senate. "With the growing and complex Housing Crisis and with homelessness on the rise, we need to take urgent action now," Hernandez said. "As Arizona statewide leaders we are working towards finding viable solutions. Senator Miranda and I have held a stakeholder meeting comprised of over fifty housing-related state agencies, nonprofits and government staff to develop this plan." Senator Miranda added, “There is no one-size-fits-all when addressing our homelessness crisis we currently have. We need to target specific resources towards the specific reasons why people are homeless. The political will to expand funding will help reach our goal in healing the lives of those who need it the most.” -30-

MEDIA ALERT FEBRUARY 10, 2023 Arizona Legislative Latino Caucus Working Together for Arizona Families Chairs Representative Lydia Hernandez and Senator Anna Hernandez to Announce Legislative Bills Submitted Members PHOENIX –Arizona voters elected 28 Latino legislators in November and they are working together diligently to advocate for issues that are critical for their communities. This legislative Session they also are a part of both the Democratic and Republican leadership teams. The Latino Caucus Chairs and members will have a press conference to highlight member bills to address affordable housing, Arizona's water shortage, access to healthcare and other issues at 9:30 a.m. Monday, February 13, at the Arizona State Capitol Rose Garden, 1700 W. Washington Street in Phoenix. Other speakers include Senator Catherine Miranda and Representative Flavio Bravo. “It is absolutely imperative that we inform our Arizona communities that their vote and their voices do make a difference, and our Legislative Latino Caucus numbers reflects that, "said Chairwoman Lydia Hernandez said. "They need to know that we are working hard to draft legislation that will improve their quality of life and we are striving to do it in a bi-partisan way." Senator and Co-Chairwoman Anna Hernandez added, "We are working day and night to ensure that our Arizona families have a voice at every level of State Government. This means bringing those most impacted to help us build good policy that will ensure our communities are thriving." The bipartisan Arizona Latino Legislative Caucus has members from both the state House and Senate. Members hold strategic leadership positions and promote legislation and policies that directly affect Latinos in Arizona. The caucus also encourages Latinos to engage in the political process through public policy and community events. -30-