by Daniel Stefanski | May 3, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A controversial event hosted by a Democrat State Representative at the Arizona Capitol has led to consequences from the Republican House Speaker.
Earlier this week, State Representative Lorena Austin and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona hosted a Drag Story Hour in the Copper Basin Room in the House Basement.
That event was immediately met with condemnation from Republicans. Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma addressed the event on his “X” account, writing, “Democrat Rep. Lorena Austin deliberately misled House leadership to reserve a conference room to host a drag story hour with Planned Parenthood. Use of House facilities for radical activism to promote dangerously perverse ideology will not be tolerated while I am Speaker. As a result, I’ve ordered that Democrats have lost the privilege of accessing House meeting rooms until trust can be restored.”
Austin responded to the Speaker’s comments, saying, “This is the people’s House and that includes the LGBTQ+ community, whether my colleagues on the other side of the aisle like that or not. It is nothing short of ridiculous that I have been described as dishonest, deceitful and perverse and have been subjected to calls for punishment and expulsion. What is true is that I hosted a drag performer who read stories about LGBTQ+ history and inclusion. There were no minors present, but also no content that would offend a minor.”
The Democrat lawmaker added, “We were completely transparent when we reserved the room, and the content was not, or should not be, controversial. In total approximately 20 people attended (all adults) because the House is currently only conducting business on Wednesdays, and today was a Tuesday. It was educational and completely within the mission of our LGTBQ+ Caucus. I will never apologize for teaching people to be inclusive, to accept others as they are, and to stand up to hate and bigotry.”
Other Arizona state legislators weighed in on the event. Republican Representative Alexander Kolodin said, “The People’s House should be a safe place for the children of Arizona and I am outraged at this violation of trust. In addition to this punishment, also I call on leadership to bar Rep. Austin from accessing any part of the House aside from public areas and the floor.”
Democrat Representative Nancy Gutierrez stated, “Today’s event was wonderful and I was happy to attend. I appreciate Lorena Austin. It’s disgusting that this was used for political mudslinging.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Mar 4, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanksi |
A bill to provide a new health treatment option for Arizonans has passed out of the Arizona Senate.
On Thursday, the Arizona Senate passed SB 1570, which “requires the Department of Health Services to begin the licensing of psychedelic-assisted therapy centers and prescribes licensure requirements and restrictions,” according to the purpose from the chamber. The bill was sponsored by Senate Pro Tempore T.J. Shope.
The proposal received an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote in the state senate with 24 members in favor compared to four members in opposition. Two senators did not vote.
In a statement, Shope said, “The controlled use of ‘magic mushrooms’ has proven to be a safe and effective treatment for people suffering from issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I’ve heard numerous testimonies regarding the success of this alternative therapy, especially within our Veteran and first responder communities, where this drug ultimately saved lives and allowed these individuals to properly function in society after enduring horrific PTSD. It’s our duty to support those who put their lives on the line to serve our communities and our country. If this treatment will help our heroes who are struggling with their mental health because of their service, then it should absolutely be offered as an option. I believe we are on the verge of something remarkable for Veterans, first responders, and other’s struggling with PTSD and other mental health issues.”
If the bill were to become law, the requirements would go into effect by January 1, 2026.
On the Arizona Legislature’s Request to Speak system, representatives from the Desert Rose Neutraceuticals, Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona, Citizens for Psilocybin, Arizona Public Health Association, and Psychedelic Association of Arizona signed in in support of the legislation.
Earlier last month, the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services unanimously approved the bill with a 7-0 vote.
SB 1570 will now be considered by the Arizona House of Representatives.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Feb 18, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Another lawmaker has been appointed to serve in the Arizona Legislature.
On Wednesday, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appointed Charles Lucking to serve in Legislative District 5, filling a vacancy from former legislator Amish Shah. According to a press release from the Arizona House Democrats, Lucking is a fourth-generation Arizona native who is employed by Community Legal Services.
Lucking said, “I’m very excited and honored to be representing LD 5 in the legislature. Arizona is facing a mountain of very complex challenges, such as our housing crisis. I’m eager to get started doing the hard work as a servant of the people to implement real solutions for all Arizonans.”
Bill Gates, the District 3 Supervisor on the Maricopa County Board wrote, “Charles Lucking is not only a long-time resident of LD-5, he is also a fifth generation Arizonan with a deep commitment to serving his community. When interviewing him, it was clear that he will be laser-focused on creating more affordable housing and addressing the budget deficit head on.”
Arizona House Democratic Leader Lupe Contreras added, “With the appointment of Charles Lucking, Arizona and our caucus has gained a passionate champion who is committed to use his legal expertise to address pressing social issues, including the housing crisis and environmental conservation. Deep roots and unwavering dedication to service, advocacy, and community empowerment will make Representative Lucking an impactful addition to our caucus.”
Lucking was sworn in to the State House of Representatives on Thursday.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Jan 13, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona legislative Republicans are warning against unilateral action from the state’s governor on water policy.
On Monday, Governor Katie Hobbs spent time in her second State of the State address to discuss the importance of water for Arizona and her past and future work on this front. Hobbs said, “Let us remember that water and drought do not care about party registration or job titles or whether you live in an urban or rural community. We can only protect our water supply by working together. I stand ready to work with you to pass legislation that makes the changes we need today – all to safeguard Arizona’s water for tomorrow. And those who have spent years refusing to act: if you don’t, I will.”
That last line earned the Democrat governor an ovation from her allies in the Arizona House chamber, yet a warning of legal repercussions from two powerful lawmakers who were listening to her words.
Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope responded, “Yeah, I don’t think she has that type of authority to act alone but she seems willing to bend the State Constitution to her will pretty often so I’m sure she’ll try and I’m sure we’ll see her in court.”
Shope’s colleague, Senate President Warren Petersen, added onto the comment, writing, “Kind of like when she broke the law by appointing 13 fake directors?”
The future of Arizona’s water policy has always been a complex issue, but perhaps more so during the past year with a divided government and two parties with very distinct ideas about how to manage the vital resource. As the governor also mentioned in her State of the State address, she created a Water Policy Council during her first year in office “to analyze and recommend updates, revisions and additions to the 1980 Arizona Groundwater Management Act (GMA) and related water legislation, which shall include without limitation, analysis and recommendations for groundwater management outside current Active Management Areas.” Hobbs referred to this council as “bipartisan,” though one prominent Republican, Senator Sine Kerr, resigned from her post in October, alleging that the Council was “nothing more than a forum to rubberstamp the progressive environmental goals of special interest groups,” and that “this community (of Arizona citizens and stakeholders) is not being provided with fair representation at the table.”
Along with Kerr, the Arizona Farm Bureau also announced its withdrawal from the Council that month, opining, “…the outcome of the greater Council appears to be pre-determined as essentially a cross between the seriously flawed attempts of the past and an AMA (Active Management Areas).”
Hobbs created unfavorable headlines for the future of Arizona’s water during summer 2023, when she held a press conference to announce the publication of the Phoenix Active Management Area Groundwater Model. At the press conference, she stated that the study’s results “show we need to take action once again,” and that if the state does nothing at this juncture, “we could face a four percent shortfall in groundwater supplies over the next 100 years.” The governor announced a pause on “approvals of new assured water supply determinations that rely on pumping groundwater, ensuring that we don’t add to any future deficit.”
Republicans were quick to push back against Hobbs’ interpretation of the model. Kerr asserted that the results from the model “show the GMA of 1980 is working as it should,” and that “the remaining 4% of unmet demand over 100 years can be achieved through non-groundwater sources.” Representative Austin Smith told AZ Free News that “we can’t be beating the drum about a housing crisis, and then in the same beat, kneecap the housing industry.” Petersen also weighed in, writing, “There is no need to stop homebuilding. Homes use the least amount of water.”
Both the Arizona Senate and House Republican Majority Plans for 2024 addressed the issue of water. Senate Republicans promised that, “unlike the work product of the Governor’s Water Policy Council,” their solutions would “be grounded in the consent of the governed, the collaborative buy-in of all water users, and the common goal of preserving the health of groundwater basins for future generations.” House Republicans vowed to “protect, prioritize, and secure water resources for our state’s future.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Jan 12, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona’s House of Representatives unanimously stood with the nation of Israel on the first day of the Second Regular Session of the 56th Legislature.
On Monday, the Arizona House and Senate resumed operations, and Speaker Ben Toma wasted no time in using the opportunity to support one of America’s staunchest allies.
Toma called for and obtained passage by unanimous consent of House Concurrent Resolution 2009, which expresses the support of his chamber for the “nation of Israel in its efforts to defend itself and its citizens from terrorism.”
In a statement posted to “X,” Speaker Toma said, “Yesterday, the Arizona Legislature kicked off the 56th Second Regular Session by passing my resolution standing with Israel and calling for the elimination of Hamas. It is important for leaders to stand up for what is right. I appreciate my colleagues on both sides of the aisle joining me to unanimously declare Arizona stands with Israel.”
The resolution expressed the “most heartfelt condolences” from Members “to all Israeli victims as well as their families and communities.” It also declared “support” for “Arizonans law enforcement community in its efforts to remain vigilant in protecting Israeli Americans, Jewish Americans and all supporters of Israel from acts of crime and unlawful discrimination that tend to manifest in times of turmoil.”
The Republican Speaker also co-wrote an opinion piece for the Arizona Republic on January 3, where he wrote, “we wholly condemn Hamas, categorically call for Hamas’ elimination – and strongly urge all of Arizona’s leaders, including state lawmakers, to do the same.”
The resolution from the Arizona House of Representatives on Monday follows a Joint Legislative Proclamation, which was issued by Toma and Senate President Warren Petersen on October 11, to “denounce the horrific acts of war against Israel and support Israel’s right to defend itself” – among other calls to action for the Legislature. The Arizona Capitol Dome was lit ‘blue’ that week “to show Arizona’s support for Israel.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
