“If I had to be in one state during the next downturn, it would be Arizona.”

- Economist Jim Rounds during an economic forum with Arizona business leaders this week.

This Week At The Legislature

We were in session for just one day this week before being recessed again until June 16. A budget is still being concocted but the ingredients are scarce, and no one’s quite sure what recipe we’re following. The House did take a vote on seven bills, on three of which I will explain my position below.

HB 2867 - OPPOSED

This was the most controversial of the bills, passing with just 33 votes. HB 2867 was an attempt at legislating antisemitism in the wake of increased attacks. To be clear: antisemitism is real and must be condemned. But HB 2867 is not a thoughtful or effective way to address it. Instead, this bill opens the door to lawsuits against teachers, allowing students or parents to sue educators directly for content they claim is antisemitic, without any investigation, due process, or opportunity for resolution through the school system.

The bill adopts a broad definition of antisemitism that includes criticism of Israeli government policy, which could mean teachers are sued for presenting accurate, historically grounded information about world events. Discussing facts or exploring nuanced history in a classroom could turn into a legal minefield under this bill. Not only does it chill free speech, but it undermines the professionalism of our educators and convolutes the classroom with politics.

At a time when we’re facing teacher shortages and increased polarization in education, I feel that bills like HB 2867 don’t make our schools safer—it makes them more vulnerable to intimidation. In order to move through and resolve tough societal issues we must be able to have open and honest discourse, otherwise we are at risk of continual division that perpetuates fear and violence.

I opposed this bill along with organizations like the National Foundation for Jewish Women, ACLU, and the Arizona Education Association. It now heads to the Governor’s desk to be vetoed or signed into law.

SB 1247 - SUPPORTED

There has been spirited debate around this bill, which had the original language struck and amended to increase the legal  age to purchase tobacco in Arizona to 21, conforming to 2019 federal policy. At face value, it’s a pretty commonsense public health move, especially as we see rising rates of youth vaping and tobacco use.

But through the process, the bill received a carve-out: active-duty military members, including the National Guard and reserves, would still be allowed to purchase tobacco at 18. Supporters argue it's a gesture of respect for those in uniform. But here’s the question that comes with it: should we create two classes of young people, where civilian youth are protected from addiction risks and military youth are not?

One of my colleagues, a veteran, worked to amend the bill to ensure that military service itself wouldn’t be penalized, and I respect the care that went into that. But this is one of those bills where the intent and the impact might not quite line up. We can honor our servicemembers without compromising their long-term health in the process.

SB 1230 - SUPPORTED

This bill requires a portion of the Medical Marijuana Fund to be used for FDA-approved clinical trials studying cannabis’ safety, efficacy, and interactions, especially for conditions like autism, epilepsy, PTSD, and chronic pain. Research grants would be issued through a competitive process through DHS and awarded to nonprofit organizations and universities. One research award has already been granted to the Southern Autism Research and Resource Center, which will conclude in 2027.

I supported this bill because it uses our existing marijuana resources wisely to better understand and responsibly integrate medical cannabis into our healthcare system. While the bill died during this vote, it will be brought back with hopefully more support. Physicians and organizations like the Arizona Medical Association have signed in support of the policy.

A few other highlights from the week came in the forms of:

• Young people taking an active role in local government.

  
  

• Arizona business leaders coming together to understand the economic impact to our state from federal fiscal policies. The sentiment shared on the call ranged from uncertainty to grim, but as economist Jim Rounds pointed out, Arizona has built a strong and diverse foundation and saved away $1.5 billion in our rainy day fund to weather the next financial storm.

  
  

• A celebration of Pride month with the unveiling of the Pride flags at the Executive tower and a LGBTQ+ youth roundtable at the Capitol.

  
  

• Mike Tyson kicking off the Presidential Fitness Challenge in Arizona with the Boys and Girls Club.

Enjoy the picture recap below!

With Kindness,

Sarah

(L): Spending the day with Jonathan, a freshman in high school with big goals of working in law and politics. I am holding a painting from his brother, a talented artist whose work I am proud to hang in my office!

(R): Speaking to the LD 4 and LD 5 summer interns at their first convening.

Economic Briefing discussion with Leadership Now and 60 business leaders statewide. Topics included tariff taxation on businesses and consumers, the impact of healthcare coverage and job loss in Arizona from Medicaid cuts, rural Arizona economic losses, immigration, and widespread uncertainty.

Thank you to John Fees, Adam Goodman, GPEC, Local First, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Jim Rounds, and Chuck Levinius for sharing expert insight.

Watching the flags drop on the Executive Tower with Governor Hobbs, my legislative colleagues, and the LGBTQ+ community

Community Corner

Help us spark civic action!

We’re planning a new event called Civic Spark — a community resource fair designed to bring together local nonprofits, advocacy groups, and civic organizations all under one roof. The goal? To make it easier for people to get involved, take action, and find their place in the movements that matter most to them.

If you’re part of an organization doing good work, or if you want to help plan, promote, or volunteer at the event, we’d love to have you on board! This is about building connections, growing our collective power, and showing up for each other.

Let us know if you want in, we’re just getting started and there’s room at the table.

June is Gun Violence Awareness Month and this weekend is #Wear Orange weekend, which recognizes the people shot and killed every day in our country.   Although the work continues to keep people safe in a nation proliferated by gun violence, a victory in our district highlights a public safety success driven by the people. Congratulations to Moms Demand Action who were surprise gifted $2,500 by the Phoenix Mercury at the game last night.

In a powerful show of grassroots organizing, the North Central Homeowners Coalition successfully overturned a city ruling that would have allowed the commercial manufacturing and sale of weapons from a home along the Bridle Path. After months of coordinated effort—including petitions, testimony, and knocking on neighbors’ doors—the Phoenix Board of Adjustment unanimously denied both use permits. This is a huge win for neighborhood safety, and a testament to what’s possible when neighbors come together with purpose and persistence. Congratulations to all involved!

Local Eats

If you are like me, then there’s no better time to watch sports than the playoffs, which is what brought my family to watch the Stanley Cup games at North Mountain Brewing Company in Sunnyslope. This family-run micro‑brewpub is nestled at the foothills of North Mountain and combines a “beer‑centric” menu (think fish & chips, Shepherd’s Pie, burgers, and creative weekly specials) with handcrafted beers crafted on site.

With flights of beer, family-style dishes, and specials like weekly trivia, it’s not just a brewpub—it’s a welcoming community hub. LD 5 Democrats have hosted their happy hours here, and the pinball room next door will keep kids and adults equally entertained.

For cold drinks, warm hospitality, and weekend games, this might just be your new go-to.

Upcoming Events