“We’re not at war with Iran. We’re at war with Iran’s nuclear program.” - Vice President Vance
“We are not carrying out aggression against the Ukrainian people, but against the group that seized power in Kyiv.” - Russia’s UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya
“War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.” - George Orwell’s 1984 |
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This Week At The Legislature
This might be one of the most timely and informative rundowns of the session because it captures both what happened and what didn’t happen during the most vital week of work.
All signs pointed to “Sine Die” (the official end of session) as the Senate introduced and advanced budget bills this week after weeks of negotiations with Governor Hobbs. Late Thursday night, the Senate passed a full budget package along with the rest of their policy agenda, clearing the way to close things out. It wasn’t without drama, but the process was in motion. (Read a detailed report of the Senate happenings here)
However, rather than continuing the next step with the House receiving the Senate’s budget, the House instead abruptly recessed, completely upending the usual process and creating real uncertainty about what happens next. Instead of collaborating to move forward, House Republicans simply quit the process and took their ball home. |
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If this feels like déjà vu, it is. Just last week, House Republicans pushed through their own budget proposal without a single Democratic vote and no coordination with the two vital partners, the Senate or Governor. And now, again acting in isolation and catching even their own members off guard, House Republican leadership closed up shop. No plan. No path forward. And the risk of a government shutdown suddenly on the table.
The friction between House and Senate Republicans has boiled over. But more than that, we’re seeing deepening divisions within each chamber’s GOP caucus. In the past, holding the majority meant being able to set the agenda and muscle it through. After years of holding the majority, Republicans are out of practice when it comes to compromise and the political muscle has atrophied from lack of use.
Here’s a quick glimpse of some of the programs funded in the budget: |
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Two major pieces of legislation still need a vote in the House: A proposal to help fund the renovations to Chase Field and AG to Urban Water Transfers.
Chase Field Renovation Bill (HB 2704)
What it does: Funds necessary stadium renovations by redirecting up to $500 million in sales taxes generated at Chase Field—and some income taxes from Diamondbacks team employees—over the next 30 years into a repair and renovation fund managed by Maricopa County Stadium District
Why it matters: The team doesn’t own the stadium, they lease it from the county, and at 27 years old, the stadium has repairs to things like the A/C units, stadium seats, scoreboard, and more. Negotiations now cap the city’s exposure at $3.5 million per year (increasing by 3% annually). Ban on using public funds for luxury upgrades like pools or suites. Diamondbacks are contributing $250 million to fund the work. If the Diamondbacks don’t contribute their intended $250 million or leave early, they’ll be held responsible for any outstanding stadium debt.
Criticism & Support: Opponents call it a corporate subsidy and worry tax dollars could’ve been used for education, public safety, or everyday needs. Supporters argue it’s essential for downtown economic vitality and to keep the team in town. The stadium and team employee over 2,000 full, part-time, and seasonal employees, and drive billions in economic activity year-round. For example, during the Diamondbacks 2023 postseason run an estimated $107.6 million was added to the downtown economy.
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Ag To Urban (SB 1611)
What It Does: Voluntary water-rights transfers where farmers in Phoenix and Pinal AMAs can sell their groundwater rights to developers who pledge to use that water for housing developments.
Why It Matters: Every acre of irrigated farmland released could yield 4–6 homes, potentially enabling 1 million new homes statewide if half of 425,000+ irrigated acres convert. Agriculture is a high water-use and shifting to a lower use in housing would help conserve water.
Criticism & Support: Conserves groundwater by shifting usage from farms to less water-intensive urban uses, saving an estimated roughly 9.6 million acre‑feet over 100 years. While the Ag-to-Urban water transfer policy could help ease Arizona’s housing shortage and reduce overall water use, it risks putting added pressure on CAGRD (Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District). As more developments rely on groundwater, CAGRD must replenish larger volumes—straining its renewable supply portfolio and potentially raising costs for homebuyers. Without careful coordination, this could undermine groundwater sustainability and affordability goals. Read the Kyl Center for Water Policy 2025 research report “More Elusive Than Ever” on the Colorado River and CAGRD fragility here.
Please reach out to me with your thoughts about either of these bills. How would you vote? I would love to hear your thoughts, questions, and comments.
With Kindness,
Sarah |
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Recommending a listen to the Radio Abundance podcast featuring the “Three Musketeers” of Arizona housing as we were dubbed, my colleagues Phoenix Councilmember Anna Hernandez and State Senator Analise Ortiz.
The three of us have been working side by side to tackle our state’s housing crisis—from fighting for stronger tenant protections, to pushing for more affordable housing options, to protecting neighborhoods from unchecked corporate development. We may serve in different levels of government now, but we share the same mission: making sure every Arizonan has a place to call home.
We’re also joined by the incredible Congresswoman Laura Friedman, an advocate with deep roots in California housing policy, who brings a national perspective to the conversation.
Take a listen to our fun conversation about Arizona housing wins and hear how women at every level of government are rewriting the playbook to put people and communities first. |
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| I always cherish my time with the Northwest Democratic Breakfast Club. Their monthly breakfasts bring experienced and wise Dems together to talk about the issues with each other and alongside the invited candidates and elected officials. Big thanks to the group for having me and creating a thoughtful discussion about public education and workforce development.
I look forward to seeing you all again soon! |
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This week, we’re highlighting two incredible women-owned small businesses bringing seriously sweet flavor to our district.
Hunnie Butter Bakery is a family-run gem, owned by husband and wife team Jonathan and Jasmine and named lovingly after their daughter. They met 10 years ago at a bakery and have been on the same team ever since. Their passion and customer-first philosophy have made Hunnie Butter a local favorite, with lines forming before the doors even open. And yes, their famous peach cobbler drops Fridays and Saturdays.
Nearby, La Cremeux—home to gorgeous, handcrafted desserts by baker Gabby—is also deserving of our attention. Celebrating a colleague’s birthday brought us to La Cremeux and the cake was equally beautiful as it was delicious. We learned from Gabby that after a recent ICE raid at the grocery store across the street, business has taken a hit. Let’s help turn that around by showing up for her and her work. |
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| Jasmine runs a great social media account tempting us with her goodies. |
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| Gabby gives us glimpses of her creations and proudly supports her community. |
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The Impact Of Deportation Policy Changes On Latino Immigrant Communities
June 25th at 10:00 am
Attend a virtual presentation and panel discussion by the Brookings Institute on the impact of deportation policy changes on Latino immigrant communities. Viewers can submit questions by emailing: [email protected] or via Twitter at @BrookingsGov by using #ImmigrationPolicy. |
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| Learn how to Deep Canvass with Save Our Schools! Deep canvassing focuses on listening and connecting with voters to understand their concerns, questions and perspectives on public ed. Sign up for one of their interactive virtual trainings so you can be ready to start having these pivotal conversations next election cycle. |
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Sunnyslope Historical Society will be running a rattlesnake garage party at Eye Opener Antiques Saturday, June 28th 11:00 am.
Tickets are $10 for sale at the door or on the Sunnyslope Historical Society website. |
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| Sign up the youth for summertime fun with Phoenix Plays! Lots of different summer camp offerings for all interests and budgets.
Sign up here |
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July 5th 80s Party with Pop-Up Roller Rink!
Olympic Dancer BBoy Gravity is teaching a breakdance workshop at North Park! |
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| Secular AZ is putting on a members-only event Wednesday July 9th for a series of informal talks with a lawyer about immigration process and attacks on immigrants.
This is a Members Only event - Members can RSVP here, and if you’re not a member, you can easily and affordably sign up to join on their website
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