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“China is a potential adversary..,But what I really worry about is us. Can we get our own act together — our own values, our own capability, our own management.

We have to get our act together, We have to do it very quickly.”

- Jamie Dimon, JP Morgan Chase CEO comments

at the Reagan Economics Forum ([link removed]) Friday

This Week At The Legislature

The House remained recessed this week, while the Senate returned for limited business, including yet another DINO committee hearing. This time, the subject was Carlos Contreras, nominated to lead the Office of Economic Opportunity, which he’s already been managing under the Hobbs administration.

If you’re wondering whether the hearing was any less of a political spectacle than the others we’ve seen, unfortunately, the answer is no. The confirmation process continues to be more about partisan games than qualifications. So where do things actually stand, now two and a half years into Governor Hobbs’ term? Let’s take a look at the state of agency confirmations — who’s been approved, who’s still in limbo, and what that means for the basic functioning of our government.

For background, there’s a straightforward process: the governor appoints leaders to run state agencies, and the Senate confirms them. That way, critical departments — like Health Services, Housing, or Insurance — are run by qualified people who can get to work serving the public. Some change as the administrations change, and some stay on.

But over the last two years, this basic process has been hijacked. “DINO” refers to the Senate Committee on Director Nominations, a relatively new committee created in 2023 by Senate President Warren Petersen to oversee confirmations of the governor’s agency director nominees. It’s chaired by Senator Jake Hoffman, a Freedom Caucus member who’s made no secret of his opposition to Governor Hobbs.

In theory, the committee’s job is to vet nominees based on their qualifications. In practice, it’s become a tool for obstruction — delaying hearings, forcing resignations, and creating chaos across agencies that impact the lives of everyday Arizonans.

Instead of moving qualified nominees through confirmation hearings, the vetting process has turned into a tired political circus attacking qualified nominees and in some cases, forcing them to withdraw or delaying votes, as was the conclusion for Mr. Contreras on Thursday.

As a result, key agencies that impact people’s everyday lives are either without leadership or stuck in limbo. The state has lost tremendous leaders like Joan Serviss, Carmen Heredia, and Teresa Cullen, as these games continue to create dysfunction across the government. Ultimately, agency employees and Arizonans are paying the price.

This isn’t how it’s supposed to work. These hearings were never meant to be a partisan battlefield. We need to get back to a process that values qualifications over ideology, and service over showmanship.

Graph showing current standing of state agencies

I spent more time at Immigration court this week. The stakes continue to escalate, with Phoenix police called out to arrest people at the request of the owner of the building that the court resides in. Councilwoman Anna Hernandez was there with her team and we were able to keep people safely and peacefully occupying the space.

Stephen Miller, the architect behind this atrocity, has demanded a DHS goal of 3,000 arrests per day ([link removed]) This is why we’re seeing a ramp-up in arrests across the country, with ICE terrorizing businesses and using extreme tactics to transact in human lives. Per Axios ([link removed]) , immigration officers have almost 49,000 people in ICE custody, according to the latest government data from early May. That's significantly more people in detention than what Congress has appropriated funding to accommodate. Adding to that, Border Czar and Project 2025 contributor Tom Homan’s security detail costs taxpayers $1 million a month.

As featured last week, groups like Puente and Borderlands continue to help educate and organize volunteers to help keep people showing up to their court hearings safe. It has been encouraging to see so many people from our district present and aligned alongside the efforts from electeds at the city, state, and national level demanding answers.

LD 5 leaders at immigration court this week

Returning to the legislature this week, the budget remains the top priority. This year the state’s budget totals $16.1 billion as we work through a $1.7 billion budget shortfall.

I continue to advocate for a more transparent process and funding for vital services such as childcare assistance, increasing funding for graduate medical education, public and higher education, senior support services, food access, the arts, historic preservation, and housing. Reply to this email to let me know your budget priorities and questions.

With Kindness,

Sarah

PS - Elaborating on Mr. Dimon’s opening quote, here is an op-ed ([link removed]) on Trump’s looming house of cards economic collapse.


** Community Corner
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Taking this section to acknowledge the work of LD 5 Democrat, Dr. Judy Greene. Dr. Greene was just the recipient of the Maricopa Democratic Party’s Jacqueline Adams Award for her fervor and service to the Maricopa Democratic Party. Judy is always showing up for democracy and local politics - registering voters in every part of the state and working relentlessly to elect quality candidates.

Thank you Dr. Greene for being a friend and political partner, and your constant dedication to our community!

Local Eats

At the recent Kendrick Lamar concert, I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Devan Cunningham, who shared the story of his daring "Chopped" victory—thanks to a bold tarantula-based dessert (!!) that clinched him the top prize. That adventurous spirit is definitely alive at CC's on Central ([link removed]) , his family's Midtown Phoenix restaurant.

Chef Devan and his mom Sharon are infusing the menu with innovative twists on Southern classics, it’s “bougie twist” soul food from their belief that good food of any kind is cooked from the soul. CC’s “Sunday Service” menu, packed with Southern staples like fried chicken, candied yams, mac and cheese, collard greens, and beans and rice, has become a local favorite.

Whether you're a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, CC's is serving up flavors that reflect both tradition and creativity. And as they return to tradition, you can be sure that every bite will be steeped in family, flavor, and community. It's a must-visit spot for anyone eager to experience the evolving culinary scene in Phoenix!


** Upcoming Events
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**
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Governor Katie Hobbs is the first governor to fly the Pride colors at the State Capitol, a tradition she continues this year. Please Join Governor Katie Hobbs and her Staff Monday June 2, 2025 1:15pm-1:30pm for the Annual Pride Banner Drop on the Executive Tower at the State Capital. Please arrive PROMPTLY outside the West Entrance to the Executive Tower by 1:15pm.

Banner Drop Scheduled for about 1:20pm.

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Monday is 602 Day ([link removed]) and Phoenix is throwing its annual citywide celebration of all things local. With over 230 participating businesses and a full calendar of events happening across the city, it’s a chance to show up for the community, support local, and take pride in the roots that make Phoenix what it is.

From special deals and neighborhood pop-ups to food, music, and art you’ll find your own way #HowDoYou602? Let’s celebrate what makes Phoenix home.
Find A Participating Business Promo ([link removed])
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Award-winning community organizer Cristina Jiménez visits Changing Hands Tempe to share her inspiring memoir, Dreaming of Home, which describes her journey from undocumented newcomer to leader in a powerful immigrant youth movement.

In conversation with former State Senator Raquel Terán Tuesday June 3rd 6:30 pm at Changing Hands bookstore Tempe.
RSVP ([link removed])
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LD5 Democrats meeting is soon approaching. Join LD5 Dems Tuesday June 3rd 6:00-8:00pm to discuss news at our most local level, and hear from the Arizona Education Association. Sign up below, either for zoom ([link removed]) or in person.
In-person RSVP ([link removed])

The Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first Queer Summer Market ([link removed]) Sunday June 8th at Warehouse 215 in Downtown. Stop by for shopping, artists, drinks, and the photobooth! No signup required.
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