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"Somewhere I read of the freedom of speech. Somewhere I read of the freedom of press. Somewhere I read that the greatness of America is the right to protest for rights. And so just as I say we aren't going to let any dogs or water hoses turn us around, we aren't going to let any injunction turn us around. We are going on."
-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I've Been to the Mountaintop" ([link removed])
This Week At The Legislature
We’re back ~ the legislative session has returned and Opening Day brought a celebratory feel to the Capitol as leaders and constituents from all over the state descended on the House and Senate Chambers. The guest speakers represented Arizona’s universities, with the head coaches of ASU Football and UofA Basketball, along with the president of GCU, offering motivating remarks that reminded us of our state’s talent, tenacity, and shared commitment to success. Governor Hobbs gave a rousing State of the State outlining her priorities for continued bipartisan support to address safety, health, educational, and affordability issues.
It was a real treat to be surrounded by LD 5 friends on Opening Day, from our District Board Members, current and former elected officials, and engaged constituents. Thank you to my guests Juan Salgado, Tim Sparling, Vin Petersen, Abraham James, Jon Udell and Michael Abramson!
Democratic Press Conference Opening Day
Dem friends with Secretary Fontes
Juan Salgado CEO of Phoenix IDA, Vin Petersen, and Michael Abramson
Introducing Guests on the House floor
Bills, Bills, Bills,
Tax conformity was the big agenda item debated this week as the Republican’s proposal went through the House and Senate. Tax conformity is how Arizona decides whether to follow changes from the new federal tax code. When we fall out of sync, it creates headaches and potential higher costs for people trying to file their taxes.
This year is especially consequential as Trump’s tax cuts for the wealthy deepen the federal deficit and put pressure on the programs working families rely on.
The Republican’s tax package proposal carries a one year deficit of $440M to the state budget and far exceeds even the HR1 conformity, to include a wish list of just about every tax cut bill they have sponsored over the past several years but couldn’t pass or get signed. Unfortunately, this plan is loaded with unnecessary breaks for the wealthiest taxpayers and large corporations, two groups that are already experiencing record breaking profits and deferential regard under the Trump administration.
Democrats in both chambers voted “no” on the Republican proposal, which was vetoed by the Governor on Friday. In contrast, Governor Hobbs has proposed a more targeted conformity approach that avoids fully adopting federal tax changes that would significantly drain state revenue. That balance matters as Arizona faces growing fiscal pressure and can’t afford to lock in tax cuts that benefit the wealthiest while putting core services at risk for working families and seniors.
Our caucus supports financial relief for working and middle-class families, and our bills reflect this.
The first week of session always brings a rush of new legislation, but this year was record breaking. As of Friday afternoon, lawmakers had introduced 905 bills, a 37% increase over last year and nearly an 80% jump compared to a decade ago. On top of that, 61 ballot measures have already been filed, any number of which could ultimately end up before voters this year.
A list of bills isn’t just policy, it’s a window into what a legislator believes matters most, and can tell you a lot about their priorities and the values they’re willing to spend their time fighting for.
Click here ([link removed]) for the list of bills I have sponsored and co-sponsored. With more to come over the next two weeks!
Rep’s Sandoval, Liguori and Austin dropping their bills in the Hopper
Amid the demands of the legislative session that consume so much of our time and attention, we cannot turn away from the erosion of law and basic rights unfolding in our country, including our own Arizona backyards as ICE presence escalates. My heart is with those pouring every ounce of energy into protecting immigrant families, and with neighbors who are afraid to leave their homes because they fear they may never return.
Every day I hear another painful story from Arizona: a young man with a tourist visa visiting family taken by ICE without cause over the holidays; a healthcare worker navigating the immigration process detained and forced to wear an ankle monitor, living in constant fear of deportation; a young wife working hard to support herself while her husband sits in detention with little ability to communicate.
Let us remember that 73% of people detained by ICE have no prior convictions. We can not let lies normalize our realities. Nor stand for the atrocities tearing apart families at the behest of this administrations desire to erase people of color and violently silence peaceful protestors.
I don’t feel safe with ICE, not as an American, a legislator, or person of privilege.
I am a mom of a 7-year old, with stuffed animals in the front seat of my car. Renee Good should be home with her children, along with so many others that have been hurt or killed at the hands of an American military organization terrorizing our streets. May she rest in peace.
We are going on.
With kindness,
** Upcoming Events
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** Kicking It Off
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Join us February 1st for a community party to celebrate Sarah’s re-election campaign!
Food, drinks, merch, and special guests!
Location will be sent out a week prior to the event to those who have RSVP’d.
RSVP HERE ([link removed])
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** Get Talking
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We’re meeting neighbors to spread the word about Ed Hermes ([link removed]) campaign for Phoenix City Council and Sarah’s State House re-election.
Spend an hour with us next Sunday!
Learn more ([link removed])
** Community Corner
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So proud to celebrate LD 5 leader Carolyn Lane, as she receives another tennis accolade as the 2026 Serve the Future Winter Triples Tournament Honoree. This recognition comes alongside her well-earned induction into the Southwest USTA Hall of Fame, a reflection of a lifetime of excellence, leadership, and love for the game.
But what truly stands out is how Carolyn continually shows up for our community. She’s a dedicated Democrat, a trusted leader, and someone who believes deeply in giving back, using her platform to mentor young people and invest in the next generation here in Phoenix. Our district is better because of her leadership.
Congratulations, Carolyn — and thank you for leading with heart.
Local Eats
Know of a spot where you can go to get brunch along with homemade creative chocolate creations? I do. The newest neighborhood spot is Tandy’s ([link removed]) , nestled cozily into the former home of Binkley’s and The Larder & The Delta.
Chef Tandy oversees a menu of delicious breakfast and lunch items as well as a full bean-to-bar chocolate kitchen made in house. They have chocolate bars, sipping chocolate, and even cacao mulch to for your garden. Right now I am enjoying the Strawberry White Chocolate and Elote bars. The space is cozy and inviting to the community. Welcome to the neighborhood, Tandy’s!
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