Last Week at the Legislature
April 28, 2024
Hi Friend,
Welcome to Last Week at the Legislature, my weekly report to you on what happened last week in your State House and how I'm representing our community.
You may have heard. This past Wednesday, three Republicans joined with every Democrat in the House to pass HB2677 which would repeal the 1864 era near-total abortion ban that the Arizona Supreme Court recently decided is still the law of the land in our state. It's a law that in 2024 we know to be not only an affront to our most fundamental freedom but in fact, a very real threat to women's lives.
After two weeks of enduring Republicans playing political games to prevent this repeal bill from even receiving a vote, it was a relief to finally see it up on the board.
That's when three Republican representatives who have spent their political careers fighting to ban abortion, saw what a losing issue this has become for their re-election bids, broke with their caucus, and voted YES with those of us who have long stood with women and their families for the most basic of freedoms. Everyone deserves to have the ability to make decisions about their own bodies and families without interference from politicians.
While the rest of the Republican caucus fumed against being outvoted, charging the majority of us with absurd claims, Democrats remained the adults in the room, remaining silent to simply get this lifesaving repeal passed. We did, and now it is in the hands of the state senate where I hope it will receive a vote this coming Wednesday.
To read more about it, here's a link to some great coverage from the Arizona Mirror.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Once the 1864 ban is repealed, Arizonans will be left with a 15-week abortion ban passed in 2022 that still lets politicians interfere with our most personal decisions. Pregnancy comes with many complications, and politicians don't belong in the often difficult choice that must be made by a woman with her doctor and those she loves.
This whole ordeal makes it clear that we must protect our reproductive freedom with an amendment in the Arizona constitution. Otherwise, extremists are likely to pass more restrictive bans the next time they get the chance. Judy
Representative Judy Schwiebert, LD2
jschwiebert@azleg.gov, JudySchwiebert.com, 602-935-0468
Floor Votes This Week
Here are some of the other significant or controversial bills the House considered this past Wednesday, and how I voted.
SB1309 (Miranda-D) mental health evaluations; information; consent. I voted YES on this bill to provide additional information about a proposed patient for behavioral health treatment. It outlines the duties and prohibitions of an agency as they screen an application for a court-ordered evaluation, and outlines which people may provide informed consent on behalf of a potential patient. It passed 55-5.
SB1370 (Bolick-R) youth businesses; licenses; tax; exemption
I voted NO on this bill says that those under age 19 do not need a business permit or sales tax permit for their business. While it sounds reasonable on the surface, it has no guardrails to prevent parents or other adults from abusing this law to run a business through an underage child to avoid appropriate taxes. The County Supervisors Association also had concerns and though they reached out to the sponsor with suggestions, received no reply from her. It passed 36-24.
SB1609 (Wadsack-R) behavioral health; AHCCCS; health facilities
I voted YES on this bill supported by a grassroots group called Mad Moms formed by parents of adult children dealing with a serious mental illness (SMI). It requires health care institutions that provide inpatient behavioral health services to a patient with an SMI to provide an accurate list of all of the patient's necessary medications upon being discharged. It passed 59-1.
HB2063 (Griffin-R) exempt wells; certificate; groundwater use
I voted NO on this bill that could result in more groundwater pumping with no real tools for curtaining it. That would only further our already significant groundwater problems. It passed 31-28.
HB2124 (Griffin-R) agricultural operations; water; protection; definition
I voted NO on this bill that requires the court to award attorneys' fees for nuisance claims related to groundwater pumping. This is another bill to protect big pumpers at the expense of those harmed who may have few tools available to them to challenge the pumping. Bringing nuisance claims is not easy already and comes with considerable risk to those bringing them. In areas with no real regulation on groundwater pumping, however, a nuisance action may be the only mechanism for someone to seek redress, to keep the use and enjoyment of their property, and get at least some due process and access to justice relative to their well being dried up or impaired. It passed 31-29.
HB2591 (Biasiucci-R) forced labor; child labor; prohibitions
I voted NO on this bill though it sounds like a no-brainer. Of course we all want to prohibit child and forced labor. However, this is actually a veiled attempt to penalize the clean energy sector. It imposes an undue burden solely on entities dedicated to advancing decarbonization, clean transportation, climate emissions reduction, and environmental protection, all of which are trying to build a more resilient, sustainable economy. We should work to prohibit child and forced labor in ALL industries, not just the clean energy industry. It passed 43-16.
ADE's Announcement that Schools Will Lose Federal Funds
A few weeks ago, Supt Tom Horne surprised school districts with an announcement that they should plan for a 20% decrease in federal Title 1 funds meant to provide services for low-income students. The Arizona Department of Education serves as simply a pass-through agency for these funds, so many educators (and legislators) were alarmed - and confused by this news.
My Teacher Caucus (Reps Pawlik, Terech, Gutierrez and I) sent a letter to the Superintendent to ask him to please show his work. Finally, last week, we met with members of his team and began our discussions. We were interrupted by a fire drill in the building, so do not yet have many of the answers we seek. However, we are scheduling another meeting for later this coming week.
Our questions include: Why are we suddenly facing a huge reduction this year when we have not seen those previously? Why are charter and district schools being subject to different calculations? Can school districts be provided with a workable spreadsheet to better understand the cuts that are being applied to them?
Arizona’s $1.8 Billion Deficit
Well, I'm just going to repeat this article from last week. It's crucial to everyone in Arizona. The Finance Advisory Committee a panel of state and private economists that advises lawmakers on the economy and budget, determined on April 11 that Arizona now will need $1.8 billion in cuts, down slightly from the $2.2 billion in January.
Among the chief causes of this deficit are
Arizona’s runaway nearly $1 billion universal ESA voucher program.
The $30 million in pork Republican leadership gave their members last year (like $15 million for the Prescott rodeo) to get their yes vote on the budget.
Republicans, once known as the party of fiscal responsibility have proven themselves to be absolutely irresponsible with our tax dollars in recent years.
Here are just some of the things I think are especially important to maintain in the state budget, though they have ALL been put at risk by this Republican irresponsibility:
K-12 Public Education funding that already ranks 49th in the US.
$5 Million for community college funding to increase the behavioral health workforce
$100 Million to make-up for the loss of pandemic-era federal funding for already-too-expensive childcare that's vital to employers, families and our economy
$5 Million for the arts that are so vital to both our quality of life and economy
$5 Million for Home & Community services to help allow seniors to stay in their homes
$15 Million for care for those with Developmental Disabilities
$7.5 Million for Medicaid
$20 Million for Behavioral Health services
$22 Million to make-up for federal pandemic-era money that is expiring to help treat victims of crime
$3 Million for services for blind seniors
$3 Million for the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind to be able to get their students to and from school
Funding to provide meals to low income students at school
$6.7 million for the state juvenile justice program
$2.5 Million to ensure we can continue a program to ensure healthcare providers know patients' end-of-life wishes
Here's Who I Met This Week
Friends of Deer Valley Reception
Monday, April 22
What a pleasure to attend the Friends of Deer Valley reception Monday night celebrating the opening of the new Barrio Brewing Co. at Deer Valley Airport. It was great to meet Friends of Deer Valley Coalition Chairman Kyle Moyer. and so many important North Phoenix leaders in our district including Chad Makovsky,(Director of Phoenix Aviation Services), Christine Mackey(Phoenix Community and Economic Development Director), Katie May Smith(DeerValleyVotes4Kids.org) and Christy Walker of ReMAX). If you haven't been to Barrio Brewing yet, check it out! It's a great locally owned place to eat and watch the planes come in, too.
Mayor Kate Gallego's State of the City Address
Tuesday, April 23, noon
On Tuesday, I was honored to attend the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce-sponsored State of the City address by Mayor Kate Gallego. She and the Phoenix City Council are doing an amazing job of making Phoenix a great place to live now and into the future.
They've made us a national leader in technology, and we heard about initiatives to not only supercharge our city's economic future, but also keep Phoenix safe, ensure that we have the affordable housing we all need, and that we are taking action to protect our water supply.
Wednesday, April 24
Civic Engagement Beyond Voting Tour of the Capitol
I loved getting to provide a tour of the Capitol to the first class of Fellows from Civic Engagement Beyond Voting yesterday. They have each picked an issue that's vital to them, and then learn all about how to be an effective advocate for what they care about at the legislature. Then, they create a Capstone Project at the end. Thank you to Indivisible State Leader Tricia Sauer,CEBV leader Cathy Sigmon, and all the fellows for your great work!
Thursday, April 25, 8 am
Coffee with a Cop - Black Mountain Precinct
Thank you so much to our local police who keep us safe, especially when they help us build community with our neighbors. This past Thursday morning, I again appreciated the chance to stop by their monthly Coffee with a Cop event where we get to ask questions and get support.
Special thanks to Stephanie, the Phoenix Homelessness Liaison (not pictured), as well as Officer Linda Miller (photo on left), and my good friend Candice Fremouw, President of the Black Mtn Community Alliance.
Thursday, April 25, 9 am
Two-Generation Education Celebration
I'm so incredibly proud of A Stepping Stone Foundation where they transform lives through two-generation education. On Thursday, I got to attend their End of Year Celebration where not only did we get to see the pre-schoolers graduate, but their parents were also recognized for their volunteer hours, English language learning, and completion of their GED hours. Congratulations, all! (What if the legislature provided this kind of dual learning program all across the state?!)
Thursday, April 25, 11:30 am
Capitol Tour for a Boy Scout
It was so much fun to give my own sons' longtime friend Mala Bajpai and now her son Brij a tour of the State House on Thursday. It's part of his journey toward an Eagle Scout badge. What a great kid - just like his mom was!
Friday, April 26, 9 am
Phoenix City Council Fireworks Forum
Thank you to Phoenix City Councilwoman Ann O’Brien for inviting me to her monthly constituent meeting at the Doubletree Inn at Metro this past Friday. About 200 people as well as fire and police officials were there to talk about the growing number of illegal fireworks violations.
In fact, Phoenix Fire reported a 935% increase in fireworks calls between 2009-2023. I very much share our constituents’ concerns. So much so that I cosponsored SB 1220 this session to reduce the number of nights when fireworks can be used. Unfortunately, the bill was not given a hearing, possibly in part because a powerful Republican state senator owns a fireworks company.
It’s so important that we pay attention to the state legislative races on our ballots. We need to elect legislators who are looking out for our neighbors, not their own wallets. Then the state needs to work together with cities to 1) stop pre-empting their ordinances and 2) provide them with the resources to enforce them.
Saturday, April 27, 2 pm
North Valley Democratic Internship Program
It was so much fun to stop by the North Valley Democratic Internship program year-end celebration on Saturday. These high school students are learning how to leverage their own power, using the issues they care about like reproductive freedom, voting rights, k12 education, the environment, and more to engage with voters in their communities. They're knocking on doors, making phone calls, and more to then help elect the candidates who represent them. Thank you to all these impressive young people as well as volunteers Janet Wilson, Jessica Barranco, Janet and Whit Johnson, and Meg Patel for their support. These young people so inspire me!
Saturday, April 27, 4 pm
AFSME Legislative Candidate Mixer
I'm so honored to be among the AZ State Legislative candidates who have been endorsed by AFSCME (the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees). They're the people who maintain our roads, care for the sick and elderly, and make our schools good places to learn. From nurses to correction officers, child care providers to sanitation workers, AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public service ices, and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.
I'm so proud to be among those partnering with AFSCME to make life better for working families. Those of us who gathered at their headquarters on Saturday afternoon included (L to R): Senator Eva Diaz (LD22) , Rep. Sarah Liguori (LD5), Rep Keith Seaman (LD16) , Rep Judy Schwiebert, now candidate for Senate (LD2) , Candidate for House Deb Howard (LD27), Candidate for House Stephanie Simacek (LD2), Candidate for House Brandy Reese (LD13), Senator Lela Alston (LD5) , Candidate for Corporation Commission Jonathan Hill, Candidate for Senate Stacey Seaman (LD16), Rep Oscar De Los Santos (LD11), and Rep Stacey Travers (LD12), and Rep Lorena Austin (LD 9)- not pictured.
Volunteer for Our Campaign!
I'm so honored to have so many teen volunteers joining our team. They're calling voters to let them know that Stephanie Simacek for State House and Judy Schwiebert for State Senate want to hear their priorities. But we need volunteers of all ages! Please join us! YOu can sign up at the links below.
We need YOU to help elect an Arizona legislature focused on the real issues we face like the teacher, affordable housing, and water shortage crises; keeping our families safe from gun violence; and reducing healthcare and other costs.
We can create an Arizona where everyone gets their chance to thrive. But ONLY with YOUR HELP!
The 3 most important things to do right now are
Join a Group Phone Bank at our office.
Join a Community Canvass. We're knocking on doors and getting petition signatures to qualify for the ballot as we listen to fellow voters who want a legislature committed to addressing our shared priorities. Use this link to find a day and time that works for you. We'll buddy you up with someone experienced. We need door knockers and drivers.
Donate to our campaign. We need everyone's help to pay for the staff, literature, and other advertising that are essential to winning this competitive race.
Visit OUR NEW LD 2 Campaign office at 1524 W. Bell Road (in the Discount Tire parking lot, next to the Liberty Tax office). You can still sign school board candidates and access to abortion petitions there - or make phone calls or write postcards. Also, a notary is available at our office every Friday in April from 3-5 pm.
Make your Voice Heard Next Week!
Our Legislative District Will Determine the Direction of our State & Nation
We need YOU to help elect an Arizona legislature focused on the real issues we face like the teacher, affordable housing, and water shortage crises; keeping our families safe from gun violence; and reducing healthcare and other costs. Turning out voters for LD2 will help elect Democrats all the way up the ballot
Be a part of history by volunteering for our campaign today!
Join a Community Canvass. We're knocking on doors so we can listen to fellow voters about what's important to them. We want to elect listeners like Stephanie Simacek to the State House and me to the Senate who will truly represent our community Use this link to find a day and time that works for you. We'll buddy you up with someone experienced. We need door knockers and drivers.
Donate! We need everyone's help to pay for the staff, literature, and other advertising that are essential to winning these very competitive races.
Visit OUR NEW LD 2 Campaign office at 1524 W. Bell Road (behind the Discount Tire, next to the Liberty Tax office). Come help us make phone calls, write postcards, and/or launch a canvass!
Or, pick up a yard sign!
Host a House Party
Introduce Us to Your Neighbors
Be like Libby and Ed Goff who hosted a House Party to tell their neighbors about what's at stake in this election, and then encourage them to be like you and donate or volunteer. Thank you so much to the Goffs for the wonderful party they hosted on Sunday, June 2! Find out more about hosting a house party by emailing our finance manager Hayden Samples at hsamples@azdem.org.
Invite your neighbors to subscribe to this newsletter by sending them this link.
Paid for by Judy for AZ. Authorized by Judy Schwiebert