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“It’s not possible for us to take care of daycare, Medicaid, Medicare, all these individual things. They can do it on a state basis. You can’t do it on a federal. We have to take care of one thing: military protection.”
-Trump’s comments on slashing federal health spending
to afford the additional $200 billion ([link removed]) to find his war in Iran.
** Sunday Rundown
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We’re 82 days into session, and the numbers tell the story. Out of 2,122 bills introduced, only 9 have been signed into law so far. It’s a bit of a snail’s pace moment at the Capitol right now, voting on two to three bills each day. Meanwhile, several other part-time legislatures across the country have already wrapped their sessions.
Our biggest job is still in front of us. The budget consistently holds us up, and the Governor has already made it clear we should plan to be here through June. With Prop 123, tax conformity, and the full state budget on the table, we’re talking about decisions that carry billions of dollars and have real consequences for people across Arizona.
The truth is, we do have resources to support people, contrary to the remarks of the President. The question isn’t whether we can, it’s how we choose to. Take Arizona’s $1 billion school voucher program, largely used to help subsidize wealthy families private school tuition. Imagine what that level of investment could do if directed toward fully funding childcare, or creating a statewide housing development fund, or expanding access to healthcare. Or that we could do all of these things. These are choices, and they reflect our priorities.
At the Capitol, we’ve grown fairly accustomed to the behind-the-scenes games that are played to score political “points”, things most voters don’t see and would prefer we didn’t play, because the outcomes of those decisions matter deeply to the people whose lives are impacted by them. This should be the moment to put that aside and assume our roles as state leaders. The House, Senate, and Governor need to come together and do the work. Arizonans aren’t asking us to score points—they’re counting on us to deliver.
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Watch the video as House Democrats fight waste, fraud and abuse by opposing SB 1142, a federal mirror of Arizona's ESA voucher disaster.
This week, residents of LD5 received a text message blast criticizing my position on a healthcare bill. I want to share some context about this bill, which I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, where we added an amendment to exclude private equity owned CRNA groups.
The bill focused on reimbursement rates for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), requiring they be paid the same as physician anesthesia groups. I have a great deal of respect for CRNAs and the critical role they play. My position was not a choice between support for nurses or anyone else, it was about whether the legislature should step in and set payment rates between different types of providers.
These are complex decisions that are typically worked out through contracts within the healthcare system, where there’s room for flexibility—something broad government mandates often lack. When government steps in to dictate reimbursement rates in private contracts, it removes that flexibility, distorts pricing, and can unintentionally drive up costs for patients
My position on this bill does not change my support for nurses and the great work they do every day.
Lastly, the SRP election is Tuesday. You can carry your ballot in to SRP headquarters up through election day.
Here’s a handy map of other ballot drop off locations ([link removed]) .
With kindness,
The NCAA Women’s Final Four mascots stopped by the Capitol
Speaking on a panel with Senator Bravo and Sarah Ghermay at the All In Education Summit
** Community Corner
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Arizona’s arts community is one of the things that makes our state so special. The talent and deep cultural roots show up everywhere around us, from murals and galleries to music, design, and the small creative businesses that bring our neighborhoods to life.
This week, Arizona Citizens for the Arts ([link removed]) brought that energy to the Capitol for Creative Economy Advocacy Day, highlighting just how big of an impact this sector has across our state. I was honored to be awarded the Arts Champion Award along with my colleague Representative Brian Garcia, Selina Bliss, and Senator T.J.Shope.
The numbers tell a powerful story. Arizona’s creative economy generated $15.8 billion in 2023, supporting more than 95,000 jobs and $7.3 billion in wages. Nonprofit arts organizations alone contribute over $1 billion in economic activity each year. This is a major economic driver, not just a nice to have.
And yet, Arizona ranks 48th in the nation for public arts funding, with just $2 million in legislative support. At the same time, more than half of communities across our state operate without dedicated arts funding or infrastructure. Each year we fight for this funding in our state budget, able to secure just a minimal amount when we should do so much more as a state to invest in this sector.
Supporting the arts means supporting small businesses, tourism, workforce development, and the overall vibrancy of our communities. It means choosing to shop local and show up for the creatives who make Arizona what it is. And it means doing our job as legislators to ensure our investment matches the impact.
The arts are everywhere around us. Investing in them is investing in Arizona.
Make sure to visit some of the wonderful local art shops, museums, theaters, dance performances, and venues we are lucky to have throughout our legislative district.
LD 5 artist Kris Kollasch who designed the Arts Champion Award for Rep Liguori
Local Eats
Dialog ([link removed]) on Roosevelt Row is the kind of place you come for a great cup of coffee, a bite to eat, some art, or even a small treat for yourself. It’s one of my go to spots for finding cool gifts you can’t find anywhere else.
The original location at Central and Camelback was one of my favorite hangout spots for years. The Roosevelt location takes it to another level. It is more vibrant and right in the middle of the energy that makes downtown Phoenix special.
The coffee program is thoughtfully curated with options worth slowing down for, all surrounded by rotating artwork that makes each visit feel a little different.
The space is about more than coffee, it’s a space to come mingle, get some work done, get inspired.
With its modern design and strong community feel, Dialog has quickly become an easy go-to. It is the kind of place you stop in for a quick coffee and end up staying longer, especially when there is something happening.
A great addition to Roosevelt Row and definitely worth checking out.
** Upcoming Events
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** Legislative District 5 Democrats Monthly Meeting
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Join the Arizona Legislative District 5 Democrats monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 7th from 6–8 PM! Whether you're a longtime activist or just getting involved, this is your space to connect with neighbors, hear from local leaders, and find out how to make a real difference in your community heading into the November elections.
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Tuesday, April 7
6:00 – 8:00pm MST
RSVP ([link removed])
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INFORMATION ([link removed])
Maricopa County Fair
April 3-5 and April 9-12, 2026
AZ Exposition & State Fairgrounds
1826 West McDowell Road
Phoenix, AZ 85007
The Maricopa County Fair is back at the Arizona State Fairgrounds! Come out for food, rides, live entertainment, and good company.
** Got a community event, organization, or important advocate that deserves highlighting? Reply to this email to let us know!
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