This week was another ‘Wednesday only’ work day at the Capitol, as it has been for the last six weeks. We attended some business before
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“The final defendant was served moments ago.
Rudy Giuliani, nobody is above the law.”
- AG Kris Mayes
Serving Rudy Giuliani the summons he was hiding from at his 80th birthday party.
** Working Wednesdays
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This week was another ‘Wednesday only’ work day at the Capitol, as it has been for the last six weeks. We attended some business before recessing again until June 4th. The Senate continues to meet more regularly than we do, almost double the work days compared to the House. These large breaks at this point in the session significantly disrupt the momentum of policy progress and budget negotiations.
Although the days are light, several important issues are being worked on, the highest priority being to stop HCR 2060. This week, passing the resolution out of the Senate was stalled as Senator Bennet withheld his support. He expressed concerns that an amendment brought by Senator Shamp would harm DACA recipients. Senator Bennet had previously voiced concerns about racial profiling and that this ‘border bill’ was too vast in its statewide reach. With only a slim one-seat majority in either chamber, Republicans are forced to work hard to achieve compromise within their caucus. This is challenging because their party's extreme positions on issues like abortion and the border are in direct opposition to the majority of voters' stances.
Switching to housing, in the House we voted on two bills that would help increase supply and diversify the types of housing being built. Having statewide uniformity to the zoning code via these two bills will help facilitate the creation of new homes that give flexibility to families, renters, and owners.
* HB 2720 ([link removed]) allows homeowners to build additional dwelling units, aka ADU’s or casitas, on their properties. There is language in the bill to disincentivize investors that if a unit is to be rented out, the owner of the property must occupy the main unit or the ADU.
* HB 2721 ([link removed]) will address increasing density by allowing duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes to be built in single-family home areas within a mile of the "central business districts" of all cities with a population of 75,000 and more.
I spoke with numerous constituents and neighborhood groups, both in support and opposition to these policies. I appreciate everyone who took the time to reach out and share their concerns. One undeniable common thread in these conversations is the widespread agreement that we are facing an unrelenting housing and homelessness crisis in our state. This crisis continues to affect the lives of many in our communities and threatens to drag down our state’s economy.
I am hopeful that the efforts by cities and the state to increase housing supply will start to bring units online quickly enough to close the housing gap. This will not only provide people with the security of having a home but also help reduce prices as supply catches up with demand.
With kindness,
Sarah
** Childcare Costs Coverage
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As a mom, the struggle is real in balancing kids and childcare coverage with the schedule demands of running a campaign. I was grateful to receive the endorsement of Vote Mama, an organization that supports moms that run for office. Working with the Vote Mama Foundation and alongside my fellow mom members Senator Eva Diaz, Representatives Quanta Crews and Stacey Travers, we filed a request for opinion with Attorney General Kris Mayes on a recent FEC ruling that allows state and local candidates the same allowances as federal candidates to use campaign money for childcare coverage.
If allowable, this could increase access to a wider pool of qualified candidates that typically don’t run for office because of the financial and care barriers. Parents of children under age 18, adult children with disabilities, or a person caring for a parent or family member in their home, would be able to use campaign dollars to help alleviate care costs. For context, the cost of a babysitter for two children runs from $18 - $25/ an hour. With a favorable opinion from the AG, Arizona would be the 32nd state to allow campaign dollars to be used for childcare.
Watch the AZ Family segment here ([link removed]) .
** Welcome to the Neighborhood
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Aerial view of the property (left) and the dedication of the mesquite tree by housing, lending, faith, and local leaders.
Seven years in the making, Catholic Charities opened its newest affordable housing development, Mesquite Terrace, on 19th Avenue and Camelback. This site brings 297-units of affordable housing to a location that is easily accessible on the lightrail. One-bedroom rentals start at $1,055/month and range up to three-bedrooms for $1,550.
I have deep admiration for the work of Catholic Charities and the thoughtful intention they bring to foster community to the residents of their projects. This site includes amenities like secured bike parking, a basketball court, children’s playground, fitness and socializing rooms, and rooftop patio spaces. Projects like this are made possible via multiple funding subsidies like the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), IDA’s, banks, and support from the City of Phoenix.
** Community Corner
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After 30 years shuttered away from the public, the historic Monroe Abbey has been revitalized back to the community.
Former Phoenix Mayor and Attorney General Terry Goddard has owned the property since 1993 and taken great care to restore it in a way that honors the past and brings it new life. The space is now open for events and will soon have drinking and dining options.
I encourage you to check out this historic gem in the middle of downtown Phoenix!
Mayor Gallego’s Proclamation for Terry Goddard’s Abbey Project. Views from the North and South of the interior courtyard.
History and Photos of the Monroe Abbey ([link removed])
** Barbara, Please!
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LD 5 hosted a FUN-draiser this week at YUM BAR at the Royale. We all had a fabulously hilarious time playing Drag Bingo with the one and only Barbra Seville. The prizes were incredible and the money raised will go to getting out the vote in our district.
Thank you to Peter Moraga and the Board for putting together this event! Check out the great spots at the Royale and catch Barbra there on the weekend.
** Join me next week to talk to democratic voters in our district!
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Paid for by Sarah Liguori for State. Approved by Sarah Liguori.
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