by Jonathan Eberle | Jan 6, 2026 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
As Arizona lawmakers prepare to convene for the upcoming legislative session, Senator David Farnsworth (R-LD10), who chairs the Senate Appropriations & Transportation Committee, is outlining a policy agenda centered on infrastructure investment, government efficiency, and parental rights.
In a recent statement, Farnsworth said his focus for the session will be on practical policy solutions that address long-term growth while fostering cooperation among lawmakers. The agenda, he said, is designed to balance economic competitiveness with individual freedoms.
One major component of Farnsworth’s plan involves strengthening Arizona’s infrastructure and evaluating emerging transportation technologies. He has expressed interest in advanced air mobility and other innovations that could improve safety and expand access across the state, particularly as Arizona continues to experience rapid population and economic growth. Farnsworth argues that thoughtful planning and modernization are necessary to ensure the state remains competitive in a changing economy.
Another priority is reducing bureaucratic complexity within state government. Farnsworth said he plans to pursue measures aimed at streamlining regulations and simplifying processes for families, workers, and small businesses. Supporters of such efforts often argue that regulatory reform can lower costs and encourage entrepreneurship, while critics caution that deregulation must be carefully implemented to avoid unintended consequences.
Parental rights and individual liberties also feature prominently in Farnsworth’s agenda. He said he intends to advocate for policies that ensure families retain primary authority over decisions related to education, healthcare, and personal values, while emphasizing adherence to constitutional protections.
“Real change doesn’t occur through slogans or grand promises,” Farnsworth said in the release. “It happens when legislators collaborate.” He added that building consensus across the legislature will be essential to advancing policies that deliver lasting benefits for Arizonans.
The senator framed his goals as part of a broader effort to promote steady, incremental progress rather than sweeping reforms. The Arizona Legislature is scheduled to reconvene on January 12 for the opening of the 57th Legislature’s Second Regular Session. As debates begin in earnest, Farnsworth’s priorities are expected to play a role in shaping discussions on transportation funding, regulatory policy, and education-related issues during the months ahead.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Dec 15, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Senate Appropriations and Transportation Committee Chairman David Farnsworth (R-LD10) is calling attention to a rise in runaway and missing youth cases involving group homes and residential treatment campuses. He announced efforts to develop a pilot program aimed at improving prevention and response.
In a statement released last week, Farnsworth said he is working with local officials and law enforcement in the Town of Queen Creek to explore funding for two full-time, specialized police officers dedicated to addressing missing-from-care incidents. The proposed positions would focus on prevention efforts, rapid response when a youth is reported missing, and thorough investigations.
Farnsworth said he is engaging with group-home operators, municipal leaders, and law enforcement to develop a three-pillar framework centered on prevention, response, and investigation. While the plan is still in development, Farnsworth said the long-term objective is to craft legislation that could establish a statewide model for addressing runaway and missing youth cases.
“We must recognize the growing issue of missing and runaway youth in these settings; it is a pressing concern that requires our attention,” Farnsworth said.
“By collaborating with local leaders and public safety experts, we can develop thoughtful and effective solutions. This proactive approach is the first step toward enhancing child safety and ensuring a brighter future for our community. My goal is to create legislation that not only addresses these challenges in Queen Creek but also serves as a positive example for communities throughout Arizona, making the protection of our vulnerable population a top priority.”
Queen Creek has been identified as a focal point for the initiative due to a significant increase in missing youth incidents tied to residential treatment campuses and group-home settings located in the area. Those facilities serve some of Arizona’s most vulnerable children, prompting renewed concern among lawmakers and local leaders.
According to the Queen Creek Police Department’s Missing Persons page on Facebook, three missing persons posts have been created since September 1st, with two of them listed as found, and one, 14-year-old Abrianna Madrid, still listed as missing since November 13th.
Queen Creek Vice Mayor Leah Martineau expressed support for the effort, citing the risks faced by youth who leave group-care and residential treatment settings without authorization.
“Youth who leave residential treatment and group-care settings without authorization face very real dangers, and Queen Creek is committed to addressing that reality head-on,” Martineau said. “Our role as a community is to strengthen safeguards, respond quickly when a child is missing, and ensure each situation receives the focused attention it deserves.”
Martineau said the proposed pilot program positions Queen Creek to serve as a test case for solutions that could be adopted by other Arizona communities, if successful.
Details of the pilot program, including funding mechanisms and legislative language, have not yet been finalized. Farnsworth said additional discussions with stakeholders will continue as the proposal takes shape.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Jonathan Eberle | Dec 9, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona Senate Republicans are raising alarms over potential budget cuts that could jeopardize long-planned safety and expansion projects along State Route 347, a vital corridor connecting the fast-growing city of Maricopa to the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Sen. David Farnsworth (R-LD10), who chairs the Senate Appropriations & Transportation Committee, and Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope (R-LD16) said Friday that they are working to ensure the Legislature preserves funding for the highway in the upcoming session. The push comes as SR 347 faces increasing traffic demands and a long history of serious crashes, including more than 300 collisions at the Riggs Road intersection alone.
More than three-quarters of Maricopa households depend on SR 347 for daily commutes. Yet the roadway has not been significantly widened since the late 1990s, despite dramatic population growth. Maricopa, which had roughly 1,500 residents in 2003, now exceeds 80,000.
Plans for the corridor include widening the entire highway, building a new overpass at Riggs Road, and upgrading key intersections. The projects are backed by a combination of legislative appropriations, local contributions totaling $50 million, and revenues approved by voters through Proposition 479. Construction on the Pinal County widening segment is expected to begin in late 2026.
Farnsworth said delaying construction is not an option. “SR 347 is essential for daily life in Maricopa; we cannot afford any delays when lives are at stake,” he said. “Every improvement we make on this corridor brings us closer to preventing tragedies, supporting economic growth, and ensuring Arizona families can travel safely for generations to come.”
Shope described the funding as “a lifeline,” arguing that cuts would undermine both public safety and regional economic stability. “Every dollar represents a commitment to saving lives and strengthening our economy,” Shope said. “Protecting this funding is not only sensible fiscal policy; it is a moral obligation to every driver who relies on this corridor to get home safely.”
City of Maricopa Mayor Nancy Smith said work is already moving forward, with design nearing completion and the project out for bid. “It is critical to keep all funding in place to allow this safety and capacity project to stay on track,” Smith said. “We are incredibly appreciative of Senator Farnsworth’s attention to the importance of this project.”
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Oct 30, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona State Senator David Farnsworth (R-LD10), chairman of both the Senate Appropriations and Transportation committees, is pushing to bring private-sector innovation to Arizona’s public transportation system.
In a recent meeting with Uber policy officials, Farnsworth called for new partnerships that harness technology and market-based solutions to make transit in the East Valley more efficient, cost-effective, and responsive to residents’ needs.
The meeting focused on exploring how companies like Uber could play a larger role in shaping Arizona’s transportation future — particularly through autonomous vehicle technology. Farnsworth highlighted the success of similar programs by Waymo and urged Uber to consider developing comparable systems that could supplement or even replace traditional fixed-route bus services.
“We have a responsibility to find effective solutions for the people of Arizona, rather than simply maintaining inefficient systems that waste taxpayer funds,” Farnsworth said. “Meeting with companies like Uber highlights a significant opportunity to let innovation take the lead.”
Farnsworth emphasized that current bus routes often operate with minimal ridership, resulting in high operational costs with limited public benefit. By contrast, autonomous ride-share models could provide flexible, on-demand transit available around the clock — reducing taxpayer burden while improving reliability and safety.
The senator framed his proposal as part of a broader effort to prioritize fiscal responsibility and smart governance. “Autonomous vehicles can provide safer and more efficient transportation, and I will keep working to ensure that Arizona remains at the forefront of realistic and sustainable travel options for the future,” he added.
Farnsworth’s initiative reflects a growing movement among Arizona lawmakers to integrate private-sector innovation into state infrastructure systems. As the East Valley continues to grow, policymakers are looking toward new ways to connect residents to jobs, schools, and local businesses — without expanding costly and underused public transit routes.
If discussions progress, Farnsworth’s collaboration with Uber could mark a turning point for Arizona’s approach to public transportation, signaling a shift toward efficiency, adaptability, and technology-driven mobility.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Oct 11, 2025 | Economy, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona State Senator David Farnsworth, chairman of the Senate Appropriations and Transportation Committee, is doubling down on his commitment to improving Arizona’s transportation network, emphasizing both immediate roadway repairs and longer-term investments in next-generation infrastructure.
Farnsworth noted that Arizona’s rapid population growth is putting added strain on highways and local roads, making safety and upkeep a pressing priority. His plan, he said, reflects a blend of conservative fiscal principles and forward-looking technology, designed to strengthen connectivity across the state while preparing for future mobility needs.
A central component of that vision is Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) — a developing technology that uses electric aircraft, sometimes called “air taxis,” capable of vertical takeoff and landing for short-distance travel. Advocates say AAM could ease traffic congestion, expand emergency response capabilities, and connect rural communities more effectively. Farnsworth has supported legislative work on AAM since 2024, with an eye toward balancing innovation with public safety and regulatory clarity.
Other states are already moving toward implementation. For example, Archer Aviation is slated to provide official air taxi services for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Farnsworth said Arizona must be proactive in keeping pace with such developments.
The senator also pointed to autonomous vehicle testing in Arizona, particularly self-driving ground taxis, as a model for how advanced technology can be integrated into daily life. Together with AAM, he said, these tools represent the next chapter of transportation policy.
“The work begins by repairing what is broken, followed by building what comes next,” Farnsworth said. “Advanced Air Mobility and autonomous vehicles are no longer concepts of the future—they are active technologies with real-world applications. My job is to ensure Arizona stays ahead of the curve, not behind it.”
Farnsworth stressed that his focus remains on practical investments and collaboration with communities, technology leaders, and policymakers. His goal, he said, is a transportation system that is modernized, fiscally responsible, and designed to serve Arizona residents well into the future.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
