"The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer."

- Gordon Granger

Union General, June 19, 1865

Happy Father's Day to all the incredible fathers, grandfathers, and father figures out there! Today, we celebrate and honor the men who have nurtured, guided, and supported us with unwavering love and dedication.

The top news to report is that our state passed a $16.1B budget yesterday night. This was neither a conservative nor a democratic budget; it was a painstakingly negotiated budget, constrained by the realities of a $676 million deficit in a time of divided government.


The Governor’s office, along with Republican Senate and House leaders, had been negotiating how to balance the budget for weeks. Governor Hobbs aimed to minimize cuts to agencies and continue funding priority issues like childcare, education, and social services. Democrats prioritized reigning in the runaway spending on the universal voucher program, which currently subsidizes private school tuition to the tune of $500 million and growing. In contrast, Republicans sought deep cuts to agencies, public education, and social services.

A budget is a moral document, and the priorities of each side very clearly reflected their values.


Crafting and voting on the budget was neither easy nor perfect. We worked 14-hour days on Friday and Saturday leading up to the final vote. I fought hard for affordable housing, pushing for the continuation of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), and increased funding for the arts, the Area Agency on Aging, and community colleges. However, the Republican leadership refused to budge on school voucher reform, LIHTC, and funding for universities.

In the end, the budget passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support. I am proud to have helped negotiate $15 million for the Housing Trust Fund. (It’s worth noting that last year, the HTF received a historic $150 million, but this year, the budget included no funding until yesterday).

In explaining my vote, I reminded everyone how we arrived at this painful fiscal juncture. The last budget I voted on in 2022 included two issues I have steadfastly opposed: the $2 billion loss in revenue due to the flat tax and unchecked spending on universal vouchers, which are the two biggest drains on our economy. It is very hard to see how we move forward with such extreme cuts to revenue and increases in spending. I am dedicated to starting work on budget solutions for next year soon - just need a few more hours of sleep first.


I will dive deeper into the budget again next week. For now, here are some highlights of the wins below.

The passing of the budget marked the conclusion of the 56th legislative session, a moment both triumphant and bittersweet. With the final sound of the gavel, we bid farewell to esteemed colleagues and my dear friends: Representatives Melody Hernandez, Laura Terech, Jennifer Pawlik, and Deborah Nardozzi. These remarkable women have been invaluable to our Democratic caucus, each contributing significantly to the betterment of our State. I give my heartfelt gratitude and encouragement to them as they embark on their next endeavors.


With Kindness,


Sarah

In This Together

Late-night budget strategizing with House Dem leadership, advisors, and legislators

More heartfelt thanks to the people who give their all in service to our great state. This session has been a rollercoaster, and my caucus rode it in solidarity together through every twist and turn. I love these good people and their districts are so lucky to have their representation. The spirit of community exudes from each of them!

I can’t thank our staff enough - from the whip-smart policy experts, Chief Lisette Flores, general counsel Rhonda Barnes, communications gurus Robbie Sherwood and Bailey Tramatulo, and all the others too many to name! The pages, security, interns, and everyone who keeps the House in order. These are the kindest, most hardworking, intelligent people. We thrive because of them.


And thank you to all the people of LD 5. It is an HONOR to serve and partner with you in this work. We continue to put the unity in commUnity!


Lift Every Voice

Representative Quanta Crews reads a Juneteenth Proclamation on the floor

On June 19th, Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War was over and the 250,000 enslaved people were now free. Juneteenth is one of the oldest celebrations commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. In 2021, President Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday. During this week, we remember the past suffering and also the freedom, resilience, and enduring spirit of African American communities.

Read more on the history of Juneteenth here and check out some local events happening this week.


Phoenix Art Museum

  • Pay what you wish museum entrance along with food, music, and performances.

  • Information Here


Children’s Museum

  • Celebrate Emancipation with your kids by making crafts and learning history.

  • Information Here


Black Chamber - Uniting For A Better Future

  • An inspiring red carpet event featuring Dr. Velma Trayham, the Black Chamber's new CEO, Dignitaries, and community leaders

  • Tickets Required. Information Here


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