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“If we fear the government there will always be abuse of power.

When the government fears us, there is liberation.”

- Dark Hall coffee

This Week At The Legislature

Wishing a happy Father’s Day to every dad, grandpa, and father figure! Thank you for your guidance, modeling strength and kindness, and the wisdom you pass on to the next generation. For those whose fathers are no longer with us, I share the pain, and joy, in the memories of the monumental figures we had in our lives and celebrate them today.

I had originally planned for this week’s newsletter to focus on everything but the legislature, since we were scheduled to remain recessed. As the June 30th budget deadline looms, schedules are no longer our own.

While the Governor and Senate Republicans have been deep in budget negotiations, House Republicans threw together a wish list and tried to cut to the front of the line. We were called back on Wednesday for procedural work, Thursday to move budget bills through Appropriations—over the opposition of every Democrat and nearly every stakeholder who testified—and again Friday for a rushed floor vote that didn’t happen until 9 p.m.

The House budget passed late Friday night on a party-line vote: 31 Republicans in favor, none against, and 30 members not voting. I’m still confirming, but this might be the first time we’ve seen a budget pass with that kind of vote split.

So how did we get here? Passing a budget is one of the Legislature’s core responsibilities. Each year begins with the Governor’s State of the State and budget priorities, followed by months of negotiation. But as unprecedented becomes the new norm under the new federal administration, by March, everything changed: Arizona’s economic forecast dropped by $400 million, due to the negative impacts of Trump executive orders and tariffs. With less money to work with, real compromise became more critical.

Instead, House Republicans—excluded from serious negotiations—cobbled together a budget that slashed support for kids, underfunded public education, and pulled from healthcare funds. It was an unrealistic proposal crafted in isolation.

We expect to see a more comprehensive and compromised version of a budget any day this week, which will include some of the House Republican framework, but in a more holistic and balanced package.

A few important items that could use additional support to ensure they remain funded in the budget are:
* Housing: Continuing the construction pipeline for long-term affordable housing units built with the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). The program started four years ago under Governor Ducey and since its inception, it has helped finance the creation of 1,400 affordable units, primarily in rural areas, and generated $745 million in economic activity. The program expires in December, and if we do not renew it we would be the first state in the country to let it lapse.
A clean extension of the Department of Housing. This session Republicans have cut all forms of housing and homelessness assistance policies, and continue to try to dismantle the Department of Housing. At a time when homelessness and housing insecurity is rising this is especially reckless and foolish.
* Arts: Funding for the Arts Commission. Last year it received a significant cut so securing $2 million would help ensure resources reach where they need. The non-profit arts community not only brings us personal benefits, it also contributes $1 billion every year to the economy, supporting nearly 20,000 jobs and generating net tax revenues to state coffers - Economically sound, and inspiring to enjoy!
* Higher Education and Workforce Development: Community colleges and adult education organizations need as much funding as possible to continue to close gaps in our education to workforce pipeline so that Arizonans of all ages are adequately prepared to enter and succeed in the workplace.
* State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) - The SHPO is in danger of closing down this fall due to funding levels. This small but mighty office needs resources to continue projects and pull down federal dollars.

Advocate for these programs or others you care about directly with legislators and leadership:

Governor Hobbs: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=undefined&body=undefined)

President Petersen: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=undefined&body=undefined)

Speaker Montenegro: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=undefined&body=undefined)

Approps Chairmen:dlivingsto (mailto:[email protected]?subject=undefined&body=undefined) [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=undefined&body=undefined) ;[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=undefined&body=undefined)

Hearing the news out of Minnesota yesterday was a horrific reminder of how vulnerable public servants are—and how much words matter. When leaders use fear and violent rhetoric as a political weapon to divide us, the consequences are real and devastating. This kind of language isn’t just an irresponsible tweet to be dismissed; it fuels extremism and invites violence in a base.

We’ve seen it this week in the President’s illegal calls to arrest Governor Newsom, along with the physically aggressive response to Senator Padilla at the Homeland Security Press Conference. Small, but dangerous political stunts normalize aggression toward elected leaders. Closer to home, a shooting occurred outside the campaign office of former legislator and congressional candidate Daniel Hernandez. These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re part of a pattern of escalating, politically motivated threats.

Authoritarian or extremist leaders often rely on violently charged rhetoric to stoke division, rally a base, and suppress dissent. But in a democracy, we must call this out for what it is: a threat to our safety and our system of government. Violent words lead to violent outcomes. We cannot allow political violence to become normalized.

My heart is with Minnesota and the families of Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman as they mourn this unimaginable loss.

With kindness,

Sarah


** Community Corner
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Did you see the streets on June 14th? An estimated six to eight million people showed up across the country, with another three million around the world, in a collective rejection of the Trump administration’s authoritarian overreach. The hundreds of demonstrations were peaceful demonstrations, with no reports of violence or property damage. I was at the Capitol and witnessed one of the largest crowds we’ve seen yet; people from all walks of life, including former Trump supporters, coming together to say: enough.

The AZ Capitol had 20,000 attendees. Prescott saw a record crowd of over 3,000. One Scottsdale protest brought out 900. Demonstrations were held in Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe—and in neighborhoods across the Valley, people organized their own micro-protests. Thanks to Samantha and attendees at the Encanto neighborhood protest!

What I am seeing is the people’s revolution. Peaceful. Joyful. And STRONG.

A recent NBC poll shows 55% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s leadership, with his “strong approval” numbers slipping even further. Around the world, our allies are moving on—signing trade deals without us and strengthening their currencies away from the US dollar. Eleven countries, including the UK, France, Canada, and Australia, have issued travel warning advisories against the U.S.

The world is watching. Americans will not be ruled by fear. We will not fall quietly into fascism. Thank you to everyone who is showing up in all the different ways, we are the majority.

Tucked into the Sunnyslope neighborhoods is the Desert Mission Food Bank. located adjacent to HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Hospital campus. I spent the morning there with volunteers with The Hunger Action Ministry, a group of dedicated people that give their time generously to help ensure no one goes hungry. From testifying at the Capitol for free school lunches to volunteering in the community, the Hunger Action Ministry members make a difference with their actions.

Desert Mission Food Bank serves the community daily, collecting and distributing boxes of food to every hungry person and family. Helping package and deliver these boxes was fun work. With everyday living costs getting steeper this year, a box full of groceries can be the difference of someone going hungry, paying a utility bill, or keeping a roof over their head.

Sincere thanks to the team at Desert Mission for their relentless work over the years, the Hunger Action Ministry for their heart-centered focus on community, and Ruth and John Murphy for inviting me into their work! If you’d like to get involved find more information about Desert Mission here ([link removed]) .

Local Eats

The Coronado neighborhood has a two-for-one local gem: Dark Hall Coffee ([link removed]) and The Coronado PHX ([link removed]) . Need a delicious cup of coffee, a cozy spot to read, work, or catch up with a friend? Dark Hall delivers with its warm atmosphere, shady patio, and decadent pastries. Stick around long enough and you’ll get hungry, which is great because the Coronado is right next door, serving unbelievably good Mexican-inspired vegetarian food.

I’ll admit, I’ve never strayed from their potato tacos because they’re just that good. Add in their craft cocktails, happy hour specials, and weekend brunch, and it’s no wonder this spot has become a neighborhood favorite.

The owners are deeply rooted in the community, and that spirit shows—in the food, in the vibe, and in thoughtful notes they send to customers like the one I quoted in today’s newsletters.

In many ways, the soul of the old Tuck Shop lives on through Dark Hall and The Coronado PHX—local places built on care, connection, and good food.
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** Upcoming Events
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Put the next LD 5 happy hour in your calendars! Come out to meet the great people in our district and enjoy some food and drinks. These happy hours are a casual way to get to know our neighbors and find common ground with each other.

I hope to see you at a future get together, cheers!

Celebrations have begun for Juneteenth - with different events around the Valley continuing through the week! Check out the lineup of activities in the link below.
Juneteenth Valley Event Lineup ([link removed])

Preserve Phoenix is having their quarterly happy hour Friday June 20th at AZ Wilderness Miracle Mile. There’s no set agenda, just an opportunity for casual conversation on taking on preservation in Phoenix. Sign up on the Facebook link below.
RSVP on Facebook ([link removed])

Support Sarah‘s Work ([link removed])
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