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“We do need women in civic life. We do need women to run for office, to be in political office. We need a feminist to be at the table when decisions are being made so that the right decisions will be made.”
-Dolores Huerta
** Sunday Rundown
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It was a full week of policy work as we wrapped up our final round of committee hearings. I spent much of the week in the Senate, where multiple bills I worked on not only received hearings, but passed with overwhelming support, no small feat for a minority member.
I’m especially grateful for the staff and stakeholders whose partnership and persistence helped keep this legislation on track. And we’re not done yet!
We also advanced a bill to investigate and reduce insurance fraud. While it moved under a Republican colleague’s name, that’s sometimes what it takes to get good policy across the finish line.
It was also an honor to present Rep Janeen Connolly’s bill to establish a timely study committee focused on adaptive technologies for the disability community.
Health and Human Services was a different experience, however. Throughout a 30-bill agenda, Democratic members were repeatedly shut down while trying to offer amendments. Our Ranking Member, Rep. Patty Contreras, was dismissed multiple times by the Chair when attempting to follow proper process, including requests to involve our Rules Attorney. It was only toward the end of the agenda that we were finally able to participate. Watch the video highlights of our efforts to be recognized here ([link removed]) .
In this committee, I brought forward a strike-everything amendment to fully fund our childcare waitlist, a bill that never received a hearing. Right now, parents are being forced out of the workforce and education opportunities because childcare is simply unaffordable. That comes with a real economic cost, Arizona loses an estimated $4.7 billion annually,
Funding childcare is a pro-work investment. For every dollar invested in early education, we see a return of $4 to $10, meaning supporting working parents could generate between $640 million and $1.6 billion in economic impact, while also preparing our children for long-term success through early learning.
Amidst the committee chaos, I also successfully added an amendment to a bill on CRNA pay parity to exclude groups owned by private equity. As we continue to see increased private equity consolidation across healthcare—from radiology to dental to anesthesia—this distinction matters. This was the first amendment of its kind in the country, and it passed with bipartisan support.
So what happens next? There are always a few surprises this time of year, with bills being rerouted after failing to gain traction, as sponsors try to manipulate procedural paths to keep them alive. You’ll see these land in appropriations committees, which can become a catch-all for bills that aren’t really about funding, but rather last-ditch attempts to move ideas that struggled to gain support elsewhere.
As we close out Women’s History Month, I want to affirm my support for Dolores Huerta and the women who worked alongside her, and the countless women leading movements across this country.
Women are so often the leaders behind the scenes, organizing tirelessly, building the relationships that move things forward, and thoughtfully shaping the path ahead. Too often, these same women set themselves aside for the sake of the work, carrying the weight quietly or suffering in silence, and without recognition.
When I had the opportunity to meet Dolores, she told me “you are the leader we need you to be.” Her words hit me deep, and are ones I carry with me to other woman forging ahead. Step into your leadership. Your voice, your work, and your presence matter.
Dolores Huerta and Rep Liguori in 2022
** Community Corner
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Public education is on the line in Arizona. While our state operates on roughly a $16 billion budget, more than $1 billion and growing is now being used to subsidize private school tuition through the ESA program, with limited accountability and validated concerns around waste and misuse of taxpayer dollars.
We cannot afford to sit this one out. There is a citizen-led effort underway to put guardrails in place, protect our public schools, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly but it only moves forward if people step up.
Organizers must collect and submit 255,949 valid signatures by July 2 to put what’s called the Protect Education, Accountability Now Act on the ballot for the 2026 general election.
I’ll be carrying petitions, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like to sign or carry your own. Whether it’s getting a few neighbors to sign or hosting a small gathering, every bit of action helps move this forward.
This is how we protect public education and hold the line for our children’s future.
Learn more! ([link removed])
Local Eats
We spent some time at the new wine bar in Sunnyslope, Slate ([link removed]) by Nik Fields. This Black-owned, woman-owned wine bar is so thoughtfully put together, from the food to the wine to the overall feel of the space.
Created by restauranteur Chef Nik Fields, it’s clear this is about more than just a glass of wine or night out. There’s intention behind everything, from highlighting diverse winemakers to creating a space where people can gather, connect, and feel welcomed. Their wine bar and tasting room features a curated collection where you can try something new from their 100-pour wine list and pair it with a sophisticated nibble that perfectly complements the experience. It’s one of those places you go and immediately want to stay a little longer, especially if the musicians are playing.
Slate is a great addition to the area and I highly recommend checking it out.
** Upcoming Events
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** Protect Education (Virtual) Volunteer Circulator Training
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A coalition of families and educators have joined forces in Arizona to file the Protect Education initiative to reform Arizona ESA vouchers. We are training volunteers throughout Arizona to collect signatures in their communities. Sign up for our virtual Volunteer Circulator Training to learn about the Protect Education Act and learn how to circulate petitions to get this initiative on the ballot.
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Tuesday, March 31
5:30 – 6:30pm MST
Sign Up ([link removed])
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Tickets ([link removed])
Poverty Trap Screening
Phoenix Art Museum
6:00 PM VIP Reception | 7:00 PM Screening
On Tuesday, March 31, join Arizona Talks at Phoenix Art Museum for an exclusive red carpet screening of Poverty Trap, followed by a conversation about poverty in America and the leaders working to solve it. It is an evening built for people who want more than a movie night: film, civic dialogue, and community in one room.
** Got a community event, organization, or important advocate that deserves highlighting? Reply to this email to let us know!
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