1864 Abortion Ban Repeal & Arizona’s Budget Deficit
May 5, 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. A special welcome if you are new here!
It's an honor to serve you in the Arizona legislature. Please feel free to contact me anytime.
Judy
Representative Judy Schwiebert, LD2
jschwiebert@azleg.gov, JudySchwiebert.com, 602-935-0468Democrat Budget Wins for Arizonans
1864 ABORTION BAN REPEAL
Arizona again made national headlines when this past Wednesday, every State Senate Democrat and two Republicans provided the votes to pass HB2677, a 7-word bill repealing the 1864 abortion ban (that I helped sponsor this year and then pass in the State House the previous week). The next day, Thursday, May 2, Governor Hobbs signed the repeal into law.
However, that's not the end of the story. The AZ Supreme Court said that the 1864 abortion ban will go into effect on June 27. But bills do not take effect until 90 days after the close of the session, which means the repeal won't probably take effect until the fall.
So, we're facing months of danger to women's lives this summer since the territorial-era law mandates a 2 to 5-year mandatory sentence for doctors who perform an abortion.
Thank you to Governor Hobbs and Attorney General (AG) Kris Mayes who both continue to be strong, courageous leaders doing all they can to ensure women's health and bodily autonomy. The governor already gave the AG authority to override any attempts by county attorneys to criminalize women or their doctors for abortion. Also, AG Mayes has already filed a motion with the state Supreme Court requesting a 90-day reprieve while her office explores the possibility of appealing the ruling to the US Supreme Court. To read more about it, here's a link to some great coverage from the Arizona Mirror. Planned Parenthood has also asked the AZ Supreme Court to block the 1864 abortion ban until the repeal takes effect.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Even once the repeal DOES go into effect, 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.
The Arizona For Abortion Access petition will put a citizen initiative on the ballot this November to allow voters to enshrine our most personal freedom in the Arizona constitution.
Floor Votes This Week
The State House met on just Wednesday this past week when we voted on only a few bills. Republican leadership then announced that we would recess until Wednesday, May 15. Most of us don't know why the delay. We would like to stay and work on getting the budget done.
SB1359 (Carroll-R) election communications; deep fakes; prohibition I voted YES on this bill that creates a civil penalty for anyone who creates or distributes a deceptive and fraudulent deepfake of a candidate within a period of 90 days before an election. It passed 56-0.
SB1410 (Gowan-R) marijuana; interstate agreements; delivery
I voted YES on this bill that directs the Arizona Department of Health Services to develop their rules for adult use marijuana delivery in a manner that is commercially fair for smaller and rural dispensaries-- by requiring that the rules not limit delivery by mileage or by how many vehicles a dispensary can dispatch for delivery. It received a vote of 39-18 which was one vote short of passing since it needed a 3/4 vote. Rep Wilmeth motioned that it be re-considered, so we will vote on it again another day.
HB2685 (Bliss-R) mine inspector; geological survey; authority
I voted YES on this bill that requires the AZ Geological Survey to establish a map and inventory of all known areas that contain all aggregate mining facilities and resources in Arizona. That way people will know before building whether an area might be made available to rock mining. It passed 57-0.
Arizona's $1.8 Billion Deficit
Well, I'm just going to keep repeating this article from previous weeks since it's so crucial to all Arizonans and central to our as-yet-to-determine budget. The Finance Advisory Committee announced on April 11 that Arizona now will need $1.8 billion in cuts, down slightly from the $2.2 billion they estimated in January.
The chief causes of this deficit are
Gov Ducey's flat tax that is now fully taking effect
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.
I'm sorry to report that Republicans who have held the majority for decades and were 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 that are the pipeline to our workforce
$100 Million to make-up for the loss of pandemic-era federal funding for already-too-expensive childcare that's vital to employers, working families and our economy
$5 Million for the arts that are so vital to our quality of life as well as our economy
$5 Million for Home & Community services to help seniors to stay in their homes
$15 Million for care for those with Developmental Disabilities
$7.5 Million for Medicaid to maintain federal funding
$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 school meals to low income students
$6.7 million for the state juvenile justice program
$2.5 Million to continue a program that ensures healthcare providers know patients' end-of-life wishes
Make Your Voice Heard on the State Budget
It has been said that a budget is a statement of our values. Well, May 6-10 is Teacher Appreciation Week, and Save Our Schools Arizona is asking, "Does AZ Actually Appreciate Teachers?"
We COULD be using almost $1 BILLION to increase Arizona teacher salaries (currently among the lowest in the nation), but the one-seat Republican majority voted last year to give away taxpayer money to pay for universal ESA vouchers with that money instead. As it turns out, the vast majority of ESA voucher funds are going to people who were already sending their kids to private schools.
Send a message to your state representatives and senators using this link to let them know how you feel about the use of your taxpayer dollars.
What's Happening in LD2!
Big Congrats to Aiden Barraza, the AZ Civics Bee Champion!
I'm so happy to share that our very own Aiden Barraza from LD2 won the first-ever Arizona competition of the National Civics Bee this past week. He beat out middle-schoolers from across the state as they gathered at the Flinn Foundation to showcase their knowledge of our country's history and government, as well as propose solutions for various community issues.
Big congratulations to Aiden and very best wishes as he represents Arizona at the National Civics Bee competition in Washington, DC this fall. Also, thank you so much to the Arizona Chamber Foundation for helping bring this event to our state.
Teacher Appreciation Week
As we approach Teacher Appreciation Week May 6-10, it's easy to see why even with abundant options, 90% of Arizona parents choose our public schools for their children. This past Thursday, I was honored to begin my annual visits to schools in our Legislative District to offer my deep appreciation to some of the many outstanding teachers making a difference in the lives of our students and community every day.
I began with Glendale Union High School and Washington Elementary District Schools, and look forward to visiting Deer Valley and Paradise Valley District schools next week.
Greenway High Schools' Amy Braun
The Greenway High School faculty selected their colleague, teacher Amy Braun, to receive the school’s Achievement Above All award that comes with this recognition from me as their State House representative as well. With bachelor’s degrees in history and in secondary education, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Ms. Braun teaches World History and AP World History, Psychology, and Sociology. She is also the lead sponsor for the AP/Honors Academy, supporting and inspiring students to stretch their academic talents in preparation for college and a career. Students and fellow teachers share that Mrs. Braun consistently goes above and beyond to create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and supported. She engages all students in captivating lectures and hands-on activities where students are actively engaged. Thank you to Ms. Braun - and to Greenway Principal Ed Barnes for his leadership.
Thunderbird High School's Katelin Gill
The Thunderbird High School faculty selected their colleague, teacher Katelin Gill, to receive the school’s Achievement Above All award that comes with this recognition as well. As a professional educator and leader, Ms. Gill is dedicated to ensuring that ALL students reach academic success and finds ways to relate her science curriculum to real-life experiences for students. Not only does she lead the Biology teacher team on campus, but also serves as Thunderbird’s head track coach. She has earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues, her students and the deep appreciation of the Thunderbird Community in general. Thank you to Ms. Gill, and to Principal Jason Latham for naming her for this special recognition.
Ironwood Elementary School's Patti Vail
Thank you so much to Patti Vail, an outstanding special ed teacher who for 45 years has dedicated her career to ensuring that all students achieve to the best of their abilities. Her commitment extends also to mentoring new teachers. She goes above and beyond to support all Ironwood Elementary students and staff whatever their need, and deserves to be appreciated each and every day. Thank you so much to Principal Stacey Sallee for naming her for this special recognition. Thank you also to Instructional Coach Danielle Cervantez and Superintendent Paul Stanton for joining us!
Desert Foothills Jr HS's Lisa Browner
Thank you toLisaBrowner, a phenomenal, student-centered 7th-grade ELA teacher at Desert Foothills Jr HS whose dedication to her students, her team, and her school is unparalleled. Whether fostering student success through tailored lesson plans, promoting collaboration among colleagues, engaging with the community, and providing mentorship, Ms. Browner’s dedication and innovation make her a true asset. Thank you so much to Principal Shannon Gray for naming Mrs. Browner for special recognition this year and for Assistant Principal Joelle Jasper for joining us.
Acacia Elementary's Kim Haus
Thank you to Kim Haus, a 30-year veteran teacher at Acacia Elementary who has a gift for motivating students at every level to give their all. Her dedication yields consistently high achievement scores. As a mentor to ASU student teachers, she fosters future excellence in education. Acacia Elementary is a four-time A+ school that draws over 450 students from outside its boundaries each year. Thank you to Principal Christina Hollingsworth for naming Ms Haus for special recognition this year.
John Jacobs Elementary's William Judy
A tremendous thank you to William Judy,4th grade teacher at John Jacobs Elementary who does a fantastic job growing his students. He not only is tremendously effective in creating small and large group instruction but also builds strong relationships, creating a welcoming environment where students thrive. He participates in school events, coaches basketball, and is always willing to jump into a game of 9-square at recess! Thank you so much to hisPrincipal Stephen Whynott for naming Mr. Judy for this special recognition.
Lookout Mountain Elementary's Regina Dejanes
A very special thank you to Mrs. Regina Dejanes, Learning Resource Teacher at Lookout Mountain Elementary who is a model of dedication to students. She takes on some of the most challenging situations on campus, always maintaining an open mindset and deep belief that all children can learn. She is patient and empathetic. Mrs. Dejanes does not give up on children! Thank you to Principal Tricia Heller and Assistant Principal Isaac Hurguy for joining us for this special recognition.
Mountain Sky Jr HS's Lori Glover
Thank you so much to Lori Glover, 7th-grade Entrepreneur teacher at Mountain Sky Jr High, who works diligently to make personal business classes applicable to 7th-grade students and has built a fantastic entrepreneur program. Each year, her classes participate in the Mayor’s Challenge on personal finance where they often rank in the top ten. Her work with our students and PTO brings life to our student store and vending machines. Beyond content, she teaches students the interpersonal and life skills they need. Thank you also toPrincipal Julie Herman and Assistant Principal Mark Wood for for recognizing Mrs. Glover and joining us for this special recognition.
Celebrating the DVEA's 50th Anniversary!
It was great to join my friends Stephanie Simacek, DVUSD Governing Board member, and Julie Stockwell, candidate for DVUSD Governing Board at Barry Goldwater High School this past Wednesday to celebrate the DVEA's 50th Anniversary.
Deer Valley has such great leadership from DVEA president Kelley Fischer and Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch. It was great to celebrate with them and so many teachers, staff, and administrators who all make the magic happen.
Thank You Mayor Gallego and Vice Mayor Stark!
A big thanks to Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Vice Mayor Debra Stark - as well as the many people who joined us for the official opening of our LD2 office at 1524 W. Bell Road (in the Discount Tire parking lot). We’re the purple-ist district, in the purple-ist county, in the purple-ist state in the country. It’s on us to flip the AZ legislature blue- and save our democracy. Let’s go!
Make your Voice Heard Next Week!
Here's another great CEBV email filled with wisdom and inspiration about how by working together, we can take back our state (and nation!) and make Arizona a place where everyone gets their chance to thrive. Read the latest Weekly from Melinda Iyer at Civic Engagement Beyond Voting here. I encourage you to subscribe to their clear, insightful newsletters.
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). You can still sign school board candidates and the access to abortion petitions there - or make phone calls - or write postcards.
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!
Invite your neighbors to subscribe to this newsletter by sending them this link.
Paid for by Judy for AZ. Authorized by Judy Schwiebert