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“He journeyed to Pennsylvania, where he spent a month and a half campaigning for me in Pennsylvania, and he’s a popular guy. He was very effective. And he knows those computers better than anybody. All those computers. Those vote-counting computers. And we ended up winning Pennsylvania like in a landslide ([link removed]) . So it was pretty good, pretty good. So thank you to Elon.”

- Trump at his pre-inauguration rally

The legislature is gaining momentum as we settle into the session, with committees and bills beginning to take shape. The pace of our state is steady compared with the breakneck speed of executive orders and confirmations at the federal level. President Trump has set a new record in his first week in office, issuing 78 executive orders.


** Immigration
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* Declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, deploying U.S. troops, suspending the U.S. Refugee Admission Program, and attempting to end birthright citizenship for certain children born in the U.S.
+ Contrast: Despite these actions, statistics show the lowest Southwest border encounters in more than three years (CBP June 2024 Release ([link removed]) ).


** Energy and Environment
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* Withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement and promoting increased fossil fuel production.
+ Contrast: Renewable energy is now the most affordable option for new power generation. A report by Energy Innovation Policy & Technology LLC found that for 80% of existing coal plants, renewable generation costs are at least 30% lower than the marginal cost of continuing coal operations.
+ Contrast: The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has significantly boosted Arizona’s economy, spurring over $11.8 billion in private investments and creating approximately 18,130 clean energy jobs in the state.
* Removing clean water protections that would limit the amount of PFAS chemical plants can dump in the water supply.
+ Contrast: It is estimated that 197 million people are exposed to PFAS in our water systems. Deemed a public health crisis, these forever chemicals cause health issues like liver damage, hormonal disruptions, fertility issues, increased risk of certain cancers (like kidney and testicular), developmental issues in children, and potential problems during pregnancy.
* Halting the money allocated to increase the buildout of the country’s EV charging infrastructure.
+ Contrast: The US continues to try to gain ground in EV uptake as it still lags behind countries like Germany and China.
+ Fun fact: San Tan Ford ([link removed]) has turned selling EV’s into a success story. In August 2024, San Tan Ford set a national record by selling 137 electric vehicles (EVs). This was nearly double the previous record, and beat all other new-car franchises in the United States. PFAS chemical plants can dump into the water supply.


** Personal Freedoms
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* Rolling back federal protections for transgender individuals by strictly defining sex as male or female based on biological characteristics.
* Dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government.
+ Contrast: The 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause guarantees that all individuals are treated equally under the law.


** Health Rollbacks
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* Withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) and halting public health agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
+ Contrast: Similar measures were taken in 2020 as the Trump administration tried to “change, delay, and prevent research reports on Covid-19”. As avian flu continues to kill millions of birds, there are 67 cases of human ([link removed]) sickness. Shutting down health organizations could mean life or death in stopping or enabling the next potential pandemic.
* Rolling back initiatives to reduce drug prices for Medicare and Medicaid, including eliminating measures such as capping copays for generic drugs and negotiating lower prices for medications.
* Enforcing the Hyde Amendment to bar the use of federal funds for elective abortions.
+ Contrast: This past election cycle, in 7 of 10 states where abortion was on the ballot, voters overwhelming supported expanding and enshrining access to abortion care.

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I am highlighting these because it clearly shows the priorities of a president who is not interested in the American people. This administration is not interested in fulfilling campaign promises to lower costs of food, housing, energy and childcare. Stripping health initiatives, rolling back renewable energy infrastructure, and demonizing immigrants will all actually increase costs of medication, food, housing, and energy. These actions demonstrate a clear preference for undermining Americans' freedoms, with little regard for cause or concern for the consequences.

By midweek, my colleagues and I began receiving notifications of schools and businesses across the state being put on high alert for immigration raids. Reports came from people on the Navajo Nation being stopped and asked for their birth certificates. School districts are scrambling to protect students from being taken by ICE, and farmers are struggling as their workers stay home out of fear. Across the state, law enforcement sentiment toward mass immigration raids remains cautious while AG Mayes joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the attempt to end birthright citizenship.

When the President and Vice President openly declare their intent to dismantle existing political institutions to rebuild them in “their” image, it comes at a high cost to everyone, including every Arizonan.

I am reaching out to listen and gather resources to share so that we can help one another. Many people have expressed fear, disbelief, and concern over this administration’s blatant disregard for harm and the rule of law. For now, I’ll share one resource from Robert Reich I’ve found helpful, with more to come.

With Kindness,

Sarah
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** Community Corner
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Happy Lunar New Year! Celebrating the year of the Snake at the Asian Chamber Gala this past weekend honoring those who have contributed towards an inclusive mission to connect, empower, and advocate for AANHPI communities and businesses.

Scholarship and Award Winners:

Mayor Kate Gallego

Tim Bourcet, GPEC

Rep. Junelle Cavero

Hon. Enrique Medina Ochoa

Wayne & Marcy Brewer

Call Christina Now

Local First Arizona

GCU FASA

Justin Lum

Phoenix Sky Harbor

Bei Di Ann Gulino and Dhanica Nobleza
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(Right to Left) Reps. Cesar Aguilar, Lorena Austin, Mariana Sandoval, Councilwoman-elect Anna Hernandez, and Rep. Junelle Cavero. Phoenix IDA Table Sponsor. Talented little one performing a solo song. Community Award Winner CEO Kimber Lanning of Local First.

Snake carries the meanings of malevolence cattiness, mystery, acumen, and divination. The snake is one of the earliest totems of Chinese nation and people born in the Year of the Snake are considered rational, calm, thoughtful and loyal to loved ones.

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Phoenix Chinese Week ([link removed])


** Legislating Local
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Sometimes, the smallest changes can make the biggest difference—especially when it comes to policy and funding support for organizations like the Southern Arizona Association for the Visually Impaired (SAAVI). This week, I had the privilege of spending time with SAAVI discussing critical funding requests, including reinstating funding for resources for seniors and improving voting accessibility for the visually impaired. These efforts are essential to ensuring everyone, regardless of ability, has equal access to participate in our democracy.

You can support SAAVI through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word to help amplify their work.
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saavi Services and Support ([link removed])


** Coming to a community near you for coffee talk!
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** I will be traveling around our district to break bread and listen to your questions and concerns.
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** If you have a place you’d like me to visit please let me know via the link below. A full list of the scheduled dates and locations will be shared.
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Coffee Location Request (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Community%20Coffee%20Request&body=Please%20add%20my%20favorite%20location%20to%20the%20list%20to%20hold%20a%20community%20coffee%3A%20)

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