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“I hired someone who’s CV was two lines. Their experience was zero. Much of the reason why I gave her the job was because: she thanked the security guard by name on the way into the building."

- Diary of a CEO Founder Steven Bartlett on how human elements like integrity, optimism, intellectual curiosity, work ethic, empathy, and self-awareness often matter more than experience and education to CEO’s when hiring new employees.


** Sunday Rundown
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This week, the House debated and voted out a state budget, but did so without any Democratic support. The Republican majority in the Senate and House came together to build a budget without Democrat involvement in either chamber and without the Governor at the table. That matters because, while there are many overlapping line items and ideas, where the differences lie carry major financial implications to the states short-and long-term health.

Budgets are where our values show up and carry both intentional choices of government leaders and economic impact for people and families. This year the stakes are high, as each state is grappling with how to conform to Trump’s tax cuts for the wealthy while simultaneously grappling with a growing affordability crisis.

Republicans are choosing to make across-the-board cuts to critical agencies while giving millions in tax incentives to data centers while eliminating programs that help families put food on the table, like Double Up Food Bucks and Meals on Wheels, which means people young and old don’t go hungry. At the same time, they are rushing to fully align with the Trump tax cuts, even as other states have taken a more cautious approach because of the real financial risks to their budgets and economies.

I spoke on the floor about this concern. At a time when there is widespread disapproval towards the federal administration’s economic initiatives, choosing to follow that lead and double down on policies that primarily benefit the wealthy while cutting support for everyday Arizonans is not the direction we should be heading.

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No time to watch the full floor debate?

Watch the Budget Shorts ([link removed]) to see Democrats fighting for affordability, while Republicans prioritize data centers and the wealthy—and suggest people just need to “work harder.”

With the passing of the songwriter Don Schlitz this week, his words from “The Gambler” feel fitting: You’ve got to know when to hold ’em and know when to fold ’em.

Unfortunately, this budget holds onto the wrong priorities and folds on the things families rely on. This week will see how the Senate responds to the budget in their Chamber. Now is the time to come together to negotiate as leaders for the people, not just faces of a party.

With kindness,

Ended the week celebrating the work of Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center ([link removed]) at their annual breakfast and our very own Vin Petersen who received a standing ovation after his keynote speech!


** Community Corner
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Valley of the Sun United Way recently held their annual We Are United luncheon, and while I was stuck on the House floor and couldn’t attend, their work is very much part of what I’m focused on this session. With their new headquarters now in the heart of our district at Park Central, they continue to be a strong partner in strengthening communities through their work in housing stability and workforce pathways.

I’ve been working closely with their team, particularly in the housing and re-entry space, where the goal is simple but powerful: helping people get back on their feet and stay there. Through efforts like their Fair Chance Collaborative and broader housing initiatives, they are connecting individuals to jobs, support systems, and stable housing so families can move forward and communities can thrive.

Fair Chance employment is the practice of intentionally and proactively expanding opportunities for employment and upward mobility for individuals who are justice impacted. Their goal is to get companies to hire formerly incarcerated individuals who have served their time, because they are dedicated employees but run into major barriers that hinder them from re-entering the workforce.

With their housing work, United Way funds proven housing and homelessness solution blueprints and the organizations impacting lives such as A New Leaf, AZCEND, UMOM Day Centers, and Gervoni Cares.
Check Out VSUW ‘s Work ([link removed])

Artist Liliana Mora who painted the mural on VSUW’s new Park Central office

VSUW luncheon CEO Carla Vargas and Chair Latasha Causey, Olivia Fierro and guest, Sarah Boerner and Sterling Sourk

Local Eats

Located in the heart of Phoenix, Bertha's Cafe has been a longtime lunchtime staple of the Phoenix Community. It’s a place where friends connect over coffee, working people grab a great lunch, and neighbors feel at home.

Founded in 2005, Beth Goldwater has always loved sharing food with others, and that joy inspired her to open Bertha's Cafe.

But more than just a cafe, Bertha's has become part of the community's fabric. A reliable, warm, and beloved place for those who walk through its doors.

I often find myself craving their wraps, especially the Thai Spice Chicken Wrap (pictured below) or the Curry Wrap. The bite-size cookie is the perfect ending, though it’s hard not to grab a few extra cookies or pastries to take home.
Bertha’s Cafe ([link removed])


** Upcoming Events
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Join a casual Monday night bike ride through the heart of Phoenix, ending at a local pub or restaurant. The group rides at a relaxed pace of about 8 mph for roughly an hour, with routes designed to be accessible and beginner-friendly. All bikes are welcome, and while riders often have tools to help with flats or quick fixes, it’s encouraged to bring your own. Come say hello, enjoy the ride, and grab a beer at the end.

Monday, May 4

8:00pm

Civic Space Park ([link removed])
424 N Central Ave
More Info ([link removed])

We’re excited to invite you to a great way to spend Cinco de Mayo– raising money for the Protect Education Act, a ballot initiative designed to finally rein in the billion dollar ESA voucher program.

ESA vouchers are on track to spend over a billion dollars of your taxpayer money this year and have been riddled with fraud. People have been caught buying lingerie, Rolex watches, and other non-educational items with these taxpayer funds.

RSVP today and show your support by emailing
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

We have to gather hundreds of thousands of signatures in less than 70 days, and anti-public education Republicans are gearing up to stop us.

To get this done, we need you with us.

Tuesday, May 5th

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Central Phoenix

Location Provided with RSVP
RSVP ([link removed])

Join the official BlkBld Live Relaunch Event, an elevated networking experience for Phoenix entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders.

This thoughtfully curated evening is designed for meaningful connection, with intentional introductions, a mix-and-mingle atmosphere, and opportunities to collaborate.

Enjoy curated food and drinks from 35 self-pour taps, along with a short workshop or panel to spark deeper conversation. If you’re building something in Phoenix and value aligned community, this is a space you’ll want to be in.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

6:30pm

[link removed] That Downtown ([link removed])
909 N. 5th Street
More Info ([link removed])

LD5 Dems Monthly Meeting

Whether you're a longtime precinct committeeperson or someone who just wants to know what's happening across the district, this is the meeting to attend.

Hear from local elected officials and candidates, and learns ways to get involved on the issues that matter most to you!

Tuesday, May 5th

6:00pm – 8:00pm

RSVP ([link removed])

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RSVP ([link removed])

On May 30th, Desert Democracy hosts author Nancy Marshall at Ripple PHX (15th Ave & Indian School Rd) for a conversation about the book Six Who Stopped the Steal, a first-hand account of five Republicans and one Democrat who chose accountability over allegiance when it mattered most. Nancy will talk about what drove these public servants to hold the line, and what that means for democracy heading into 2026.


** Got a community event, organization, or important advocate that deserves highlighting? Reply to this email to let us know!
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