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"Our country is not about one individual. It is about the welfare of all Americans, and it is about our Constitution. And it is the welfare of my people and my state and my country and our Constitution, to which I am loyal. And if someone doesn't understand that, and attempts to control others through using the levers of power, they are about serving themselves. They're not about serving us. And that person is not qualified to be a leader."

-U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) after losing his reelection bid in the Louisiana primary


** Sunday Rundown
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While the Legislature remains recessed, the work of listening and showing up in the community continues. This week I spent time in the district speaking with concerned parents about public health and gun safety, while also supporting strong local leaders stepping up to serve, including Katie Gipson-McLean in her re-election campaign for Creighton Elementary School District and Rob Olivieri candidate running for city council in District 4.

I attended the opening of a new affordable housing community, Acacia Heights ([link removed]) on 7th Avenue, a project I’ve been excitedly watching come together over the last several years. The development includes three towers with 1–4 bedroom options, including one dedicated to seniors in partnership with AllThrive 365 services. Projects like this do not happen overnight, and they require vision, persistence, and collaboration. I’m grateful to Catholic Charities Community Services for their continued dedication to expanding accessible housing options for Arizonans across our state.

On a lighter note, like many of you, I caught the finale of Stephen Colbert’s Late Show. There’s already been plenty written about it, so I won’t add much more to the chorus, but I will say this: his work genuinely changed the way I thought about government, media, and the people who hold power.

While I didn’t regularly tune into The Late Show, I was an avid Colbert Report viewer as I came of political age in college. At a time when politics felt increasingly overwhelming — the height of the Iraq War and a period when trust in government narratives was deeply fraying — his ability to cut through the noise with humor felt both refreshing and honestly, a little necessary. He made politicians feel both ridiculous and deeply human at the same time, and I loved it. I even had a beagle at the time, so the Steagle Colbeagle the Eagle segment still lives rent-free in my brain.

“Better Know a District” remains one of my favorite segments because it had a way of exposing the truth, and often the absurdity, of politics by asking politicians mostly unhinged but somehow incredibly revealing questions on the spot, including the ever-present, “George Bush: great or greatest president?” Our own Raúl Grijalva even sat down for the segment back in 2006. (And if anyone can still find that clip floating around the internet somewhere, please share!) Honestly, I would pay good money to see what a modern version with today’s legislators would look like…

Moms Demand Action Meeting

Acacia Heights in Melrose Grand Opening

Again, I am thrilled to feature a guest writer this week, our House Assistant Minority Leader, Nancy Gutierrez. Representative Gutierrez serves LD18 in Tucson, is a longtime educator, and is the Ranking Member on the House Education Committee.

When it comes to education policy, she is one of the people I trust most for her experience, insight, and deep understanding of what students, teachers, and families are facing.

With kindness,

What Arizona Public Schools Give Us

By Representative Nancy Gutierrez, LD 8

It's graduation season, and that has me looking back at the students that I've seen go through school, graduate and go after their dreams and goals. I also look back at my own children and their graduations, teachers and school years. As a teacher and a mom, I've got a unique perspective on our public schools and how they shape our entire state.

I started teaching in Arizona in 1994. I taught first grade in Scottsdale Unified. Now, those students are well into their thirties. I still keep in touch with some of those families and even ran into one of those students last year at an event. I knew it was Josh the moment I saw him! What joy it brings to see a former student happy and living a great life.

Yet, even in the 90s, Arizona was cutting funding for PE, music and art. Now, all these years we see where funding cuts have gotten us. Since 2013, I've been teaching yoga as a PE teacher at Tucson High. I've started several years without AC, seen holes in walls and floors, spent my own money on classroom supplies including food for students and period products. I even lost my job due to low enrollment last year. None of this is because our administration doesn't care or that they make too much money. It's not because money is mismanaged or because teachers don't care. It's all about a systematic defunding of public schools over decades.

So, now we find ourselves in a place where a universal voucher program is spending $1 billion each year of taxpayer dollars and has very little oversight. Vouchers go to parents, not schools. Private schools still decide who they allow in their school and what services they provide. These private schools, micro schools, homeschools don't have to do fingerprint clearance checks, building safety checks, nor any testing to make sure students are learning, nothing. It's a new iteration of the haves and have nots, and it's crippling our public schools.

There's so much misinformation out there about our public schools. The ridiculous claims I've heard in the Education Committee over the past four years are shocking and so far from reality. When I think back over the last 30 years in Arizona public schools as a teacher and parent, I find myself thinking about the incredible learning, the opportunities to see new things, the great science projects, the artwork hanging in my home both from my children and students. I think about the band concerts, mariachi shows, dance performances, homecoming games, the amazing and inspiring teachers and students of all backgrounds, abilities and cultures. I see the students who have graduated and have jobs and families.

Is our education system perfect? No, it's not perfect. Do our Arizona public schools do a great job of educating students? Yes! So, I ask that each of us take time to stop and reflect on what your Arizona public school has done for you or your kids. I ask you to look at your local school and see the incredible programs that they are offering to EVERY student who enters. I'm not suggesting that a parent doesn't have a right to choose a different setting for their child. I am suggesting that our public tax dollars should be spent on public schools since they are the schools who take everyone, do their best to educate them and give them experiences that they'll never forget. I'm asking that you consider supporting your public school in some way.

Congratulations to all graduates from kindergarten all the way through to college! I hope your education serves you well!
[link removed]

Assistant Minority Leader

Representative Nancy Gutierrez, LD 8

[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=)

www.nancyforaz.com ([link removed])


** Community Corner
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On Memorial Day weekend, we pause to honor and remember the brave servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage and selflessness to protecting the freedoms we hold dear can never truly be repaid. As we gather with family and friends this weekend, may we also take time to reflect on the lives lost, the families who carry that sacrifice every day, and the enduring debt of gratitude we owe to those who gave everything in service to our nation.


** Lori Piestewa
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Lori Piestewa, a proud Hopi woman from Arizona, was the first Native American woman in the U.S. military to die in combat overseas and the first woman in the U.S. military killed in the Iraq War. Lori lost her life while protecting her fellow soldiers, showing her bravery and selflessness. Her story continues to inspire people in Arizona, reminding us of the sacrifices many service members make to protect our freedom. May she rest in peace.


** Sgt. Michael A. Marzano
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Sgt. Michael A. Marzano served his country with dignity, bravery, and a deep commitment to protecting others. He joined the Marine Corps in 1999 and served in the reserves while stationed in Phoenix and attending Glendale Community College. Later, he volunteered himself to deploy to Iraq. Sgt. Marzano died while conducting combat operations in Hadithah, Iraq. On Memorial Day and throughout the year, we remember Sgt. Marzano’s courage and honor his legacy of service to our nation. May he rest in peace.
Donate To A Veteran Organization! ([link removed])

Local Eats

Did you know you can taste a piece of Phoenix history at Central and Camelback?

Founded in 1949, Cheese n’ Stuff became a local institution after the Zawatski family poured decades of heart and soul into their neighborhood sandwich shop, known for creative sandwiches featuring cheeses from around the world. After 77 years of family ownership, the shop entered a new chapter in 2025 when Julie and Tom Palmer took the reins, thoughtfully restoring the space with a modern touch while preserving the spirit and history that made it so beloved.

The Doughboy and the New Yorker regularly land on “Best Of” lists, but I’m partial to the Hot Mom because I’m a sucker for hot honey on just about anything.

In a world increasingly dominated by chains and large corporations, places like this remind us why local businesses matter. They create connection, invest back into our communities, and preserve the character and stories that make Phoenix feel like home.
Check Them Out! ([link removed])


** Upcoming Events
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Memorial Day: A Day Of Rememberance

Join the Heard Museum in honoring American Armed Forces service members and their families during a special Memorial Day gathering. The event begins with a flag-raising ceremony to recognize Native veterans who gave their lives in service. Following the flag raising, Kenneth Cozad, Sr. will pay tribute with drum songs for all fallen Veterans.

May 25th

Programing from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
More Info ([link removed])

We're getting the 411 on Phoenix's suicide lanes, their impact on the community, and the work that's being done to make our streets safer.⁠
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Join us May 28 at 6 p.m. for the second webinar in the Phoenix Housing Lab series hosted by Urban Phoenix Project and its sister-organization Valley Urban Action Alliance. ⁠
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** Got a community event, organization, or important advocate that deserves highlighting? Reply to this email to let us know!
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