[link removed]

View this email in your browser ([link removed])

“We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”

-Maya Angelou


** Sunday Rundown
------------------------------------------------------------

This week marked the beginning of Pride Month, and Governor Hobbs once again raised the Pride flag at the Capitol in recognition of Arizona's LGBTQ+ community. Advocates, community leaders, families, and young people from across Arizona come together to celebrate, share their stories, and remind us that our state is stronger when everyone feels welcome and represented. For LGBTQ+ youth especially, seeing themselves reflected in our institutions matters. It sends a simple but powerful message: you belong here.

Bill Action

This week brought a major milestone for legislation I've been working on throughout the session. My PFAS firefighting foam prohibition bill passed its final vote and was signed by Governor Hobbs. At its core, this bill is about protecting the people who protect us while reducing harmful chemicals in our environment.

This is the first bill I've sponsored that has made it through both chambers and become law, and I couldn't be more proud that it is one that will have a lasting impact on the health of firefighters, our communities, and our water supply. The bill was developed in partnership with the Professional Firefighters of Arizona, environmental advocates, industry stakeholders, and a bipartisan group of legislative colleagues who helped move the policy forward.

Arizona now joins a list of states banning this foam and has become a national leader in PFAS research ([link removed]) . I am grateful to work alongside researchers at the University of Arizona who have helped advance our understanding of firefighter exposure and the long-term health impacts of these chemicals, strengthening the case for reducing exposure wherever safer alternatives exist.

I also want to congratulate my colleagues Representatives Consuelo Hernandez, Stacey Travers, and Myron Tsosie who also had their legislation signed by the Governor this week. In a Legislature where less than 5% of Democratic-sponsored bills become law, this outcome requires building support across party lines, listening to stakeholders, and staying focused on solving the problem.

Other Notable Votes

One was HB4001 ([link removed]) , legislation regulating electronic cigarettes and vaping products. I introduced legislation this session in partnership with the American Cancer Society focused on reducing youth access to vaping products and strengthening oversight of the industry. While HB4001 moves the conversation forward, I ultimately voted no because I had concerns that the regulatory structure and enforcement mechanisms were not yet fully cohesive. Protecting kids from nicotine addiction and predatory marketing remains important work, and I hope we continue improving this policy in future sessions.

I also voted no on SB1118 ([link removed]) , which narrows the applicability of Arizona's middle housing law. My vote is not opposition to historic neighborhoods or the concerns many residents raised, on most of those concerns we share common ground. The difference of opinion is whether this policy carries the right approach and if those decisions are best addressed at the state or local level.

Over the past year, I have spent a great deal of time speaking with historic neighbors, city officials, preservation advocates, housing experts, and community stakeholders. Our historic neighborhoods are an important part of Phoenix's identity, and I appreciate everyone who took the time to engage in these conversations. From hearing their concerns, I crafted legislation with preservation experts to significantly increase penalties for improper demolition and create a funding source to support historic preservation.

With middle housing, local historic zoning overlays remain fully in place. These overlays include design review requirements, public input processes, demolition delays and other development standards intended to preserve neighborhood character and historic integrity. Because these protections are established and administered locally, cities retain the ability to strengthen preservation standards and adopt additional safeguards that reflect the needs of individual neighborhoods.

Another example of shared agreement at the local level is expanding the area where middle housing can be built beyond the boundaries of historic districts, an approach that Tucson and Flagstaff have already adopted.

As Arizona's housing shortage continues to worsen, we are seeing working people pushed out of communities they call home. Tragically, seniors, families, and young adults are now the the groups seeing the highest increases in homelessness.

Communities thrive when no one neighborhood is asked to take on too much change, but also when no neighborhood is asked to take on too little.

I believe we can preserve historic neighborhoods while also creating housing opportunities for future generations, and I remain committed to working with neighbors and stakeholders to find that balance.

Continuing on the housing front, Governor Hobbs signed two bills this week that I supported:
* HB2999 ([link removed]) reforms how certain development impact fees are assessed and applied, helping ensure infrastructure costs are allocated more fairly and reducing costs that can ultimately be passed on to future homeowners and renters.
* HB2946 ([link removed]) provides greater flexibility in the timing of development-related fees, helping projects move forward and improving access to financing.

Like most housing policy, no bill is a silver bullet, but both are practical steps toward increasing housing production and improving affordability.

Budget Mystery Revealed

As you know, Governor Hobbs vetoed the Republican-only budget in early May, and Republicans then recessed us for the remainder of the month. It looks like we are finally walking into a week of budget decisions ready to be voted on.

There has been positive budget news recently, with April revenue collections exceeding expectations by $115 million, providing additional cushion to maintain important programs and services that many Arizonans rely on.

While I don't expect a final agreement overnight, I remain hopeful that we can reach a bipartisan budget that reflects Arizona's priorities and makes meaningful investments in the areas that matter most to families.

As always, thank you for staying engaged, reaching out, and sharing your perspectives. The emails, calls, conversations at community events, and even the occasional disagreement all make me a better legislator and help me represent our district more effectively.

With kindness,

Celebrating Senator Alston’s milestone retirement after three decades in office.

Celebrating Rep Anna Abeytia’s baby, the newest member of our Democratic Caucus family,


** Community Corner
------------------------------------------------------------


** Happy Pride Month!
------------------------------------------------------------

Happy Pride Month! Pride is all about commUNITY, coming together to celebrate our neighbors, support each other, and recognize the diversity that makes us stronger. This month, we celebrate their contributions, honor the progress we have made, and renew our commitment to building a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and respected.


** Marsha P. Johnson
------------------------------------------------------------

Marsha P. Johnson was an LGBTQ+ rights advocate, a community leader, and a pioneer. A prominent civil rights leader in New York City. Her most pivotal role was in the 1969 Stonewall riots. They had nowhere to turn for safety. She helped create safe spaces, places of acceptance. Her legacy reminds us that communities are built when we support one another and ensure that every person is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.


** Monica Helms
------------------------------------------------------------

Monica Helms is a transgender advocate, veteran, and the designer of the transgender pride flag. Since designing the flag here in Arizona. She has become a powerful voice for trans rights and inclusion. Through her advocacy. She has helped advance the understanding and acceptance of transgender people across the country. Her legacy continues to inspire me to embrace authenticity and work towards a more inclusive future for all.

Local Eats


** LGBTQ+ Business Spotlight:
------------------------------------------------------------


** Eat, Drink & Support Local
------------------------------------------------------------

One of the best ways to celebrate Pride this year is to support LGBTQ+ owned businesses. Whether you’re looking for your next dinner spot, a place to hang with your friends, or just a night out. These local favorites are definitely worth the visit.

Discover The Coronado PHX, a multi-award-winning vegan taquiera here in LD5. Enjoy 100% scratch dishes, with delicious craft drinks & brunch specials.

Check out Brasserie Melrose. This stylish, Parisian-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar as the day goes on. Located in Uptown Phoenix’s Melrose District.

What Lovebite does well is uncomplicated food done right—tender dumplings, fresh ingredients, and bold sauces served quickly and at a price point that makes it easy to come back often.

Royale Kitchen has built a loyal following by serving scratch-made comfort food, generous portions, and the kind of warm hospitality that makes you feel like family from the moment you walk through the door.

Dahlia Tapas Tequila & Wine is a cozy, top-rated restaurant for Spanish-Mexican fusion tapas in Phoenix’s historic Coronado neighborhood.


** Upcoming Events
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]
RSVP Here ([link removed])

[link removed]
RSVP Here ([link removed])


** Protect Ed Act Canvass
------------------------------------------------------------

On Saturday June 13th, our team will meet up at a centralized location, learn more about the Protect Education, Accountability Now! initiative and then ask members of our community to sign our petition. After we finish knocking doors and talking to voters, we'll meet back up at the office for a special treat to celebrate our hard work.
Sign Up Here! ([link removed])



** Got a community event, organization, or important advocate that deserves highlighting? Reply to this email to let us know!
------------------------------------------------------------
Support Sarah‘s Work ([link removed])
[link removed]

Copyright (C) 2026 Sarah for State. All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.
Our mailing address is:
Sarah for State
1702 W Camelback Rd
PO Box 55
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?

You can update your preferences ([link removed]) or unsubscribe ([link removed])