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
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.
Energy and Environment
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 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
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.
Health Rollbacks
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 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.
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
