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 Daniel Stefanski | Jan 19, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona Republicans were excited to return to work at the state legislature for another year.
Earlier this week, the Arizona Legislature restarted its engines for the beginning of the 57th Regular Session, commencing the third year of a divided state government between Republicans in the House of Representatives and Senate and Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs.
State Representative Quang Nguyen posted, “Getting ready for the opening day, AZ Legislature.”
Nguyen also said, “I look forward to this 2025 session as Chairman of Judiciary Committee. Nothing radical will survive my shredder.”
Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope added, “Happy Opening Day Arizona!”
Representative Rachel Jones shared the oath of office with a picture of her being sworn into the new term: “I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Arizona, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and defend them against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office of House Representative according to the best of my ability, so help me God.”
Senator Janae Shamp was honored with the position of her chamber’s Majority Leader, becoming the third female in that role in the state’s storied history. The X account for the Arizona Senate Republicans wrote, “Today, Senator Shamp made history as only the third female Majority Leader of the Arizona Senate! At the Senate Opening Day Ceremony, Majority Leader Shamp had the distinct honor of introducing State Treasurer Kimberly Yee, formerly known as Senate Majority Leader Yee from 2017-2019. Majority Leader Shamp joins the ranks of Kimberly Yee and the legendary Sandra Day O’Connor as just one of three women to serve as the Arizona Senate Majority Leader in Arizona history. This achievement marks a significant step forward for women in political leadership positions, setting the stage by inspiring future generations of women in leadership.”
State Treasurer Kimberly Yee shared praise for Shamp, saying, “It was an honor to recognize Senator Shamp as the 3rd female Senate Majority Leader in Arizona’s history. As the 2nd female Senate Majority Leader, I was honored to congratulate Leader Shamp on this accomplishment and offer her words of wisdom as she begins this important role.”
Senator Shawnna Bolick posted, “Earlier today, I took my oath to uphold our state’s and US Constitution and laws governing us against foreign and domestic enemies. It is an honor to serve my second term in the State Senate representing District 2. Thank you to everyone who helped us retain this legislative seat.”
Representative Michael Carbone added, “Honored to be sworn in as Majority Leader in the State House this past Monday, along with these fellow State Representatives and Senator. We’re ready to get to work!”
State Representative Michele Peña wrote, “I’m privileged and honored to have been sworn in last Monday to represent LD 23 for two more years. Thank you to my constituents, friends and family for your support. I’m ready to continue working hard for you.”
Representative Justin Olson stated, “It was an honor to be sworn in to the 57th Arizona State Legislature today! I look forward to serving my constituents while working to protect and preserve the conservative principles of our country’s founding. We are so blessed to live in a land where freedom reigns!”
These Republicans – and the others in their caucuses – will be counted upon to hold the line against their Democrat counterparts and Governor Katie Hobbs in, what will certainly be, another contentious installment of an Arizona state government.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 18, 2023 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
With the start of the 2024 Arizona legislative session just weeks away, Republicans took time this week to roll out their agenda for the upcoming months in a divided state government.
The plan, released by the Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus on Thursday, featured eleven categories for 2024 – budget approach, inflation relief, law enforcement & military, education, water, infrastructure, health, government, judiciary, elections, and litigation. The caucus looked back at the year that was in 2023, writing, “Senate Republicans unified in the face of divided government, passed a fiscally conservative and responsible budget historically early in the legislative session, provided inflation relief, funded critical infrastructure projects, protected school choice, and served as a check on executive and federal overreach.”
Senate Republicans also previewed their efforts for the next legislative session in the plan, stating that they would “remain laser focused on easing the burden of rising costs for our citizens, while continuing to stop dangerous California-style policies from being implemented in the Grand Canyon State.” They added that they would “remain unified in protecting freedoms and constitutional rights, advocating for family values and safe communities, promoting free market principles and limited government, and stopping radical ideologies from infiltrating the way of life and opportunities we’ve established over the past decade for all Arizonans.”
‘Unified’ was definitely a key theme Senate Republicans wanted readers to take away from their plan for 2024, as it was central to a successful 2023 despite razor-thin majorities in both legislative chambers and a Democrat in the Governor’s Office. Republicans in both the Arizona House and Senate were highly disciplined on a number of fronts throughout the 2023 legislative session, staying unified on almost every issue while relentlessly fighting for conservative principles. Because of their cohesive strategies, Republicans were able to gain major victories and concessions from Governor Katie Hobbs when it mattered most, as well as to win points with the general public for their work.
2024 promises to be a more challenging year for legislative Republicans. Hobbs will be starting her second year on the job and has a new chief of staff who is respected by many on both sides of the aisle. Hobbs will also be looking for more wins to showcase for her base in what will certainly be a volatile election year on all levels. The governor was soundly criticized by many in her party for, what appeared to be, a capitulation to Republicans over the most-recent budget compromise – especially when it came to Arizona’s historic school choice program. Hobbs spent the rest of the year taking critical and damaging aim at ESAs.
Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope cheered on the plan, saying, “Honored to be a part of the Arizona Senate Republicans family! We will work hard to deliver for the hard working people of Arizona!”
Senator Anthony Kern shared similar sentiments: “Republicans have your back, Arizona, and will ensure State 48 ‘NEVER’ looks like Democrat controlled California!!”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Aug 2, 2023 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Another Arizona legislative session has come to an end.
On Monday, the Fifty-sixth Legislature – First Regular Session Adjourned Sine Die.
Many lawmakers and staff took to social media to share their thoughts about the end of the session.
It was an eventful session for the Arizona Legislature as the state experienced a divided government for the first time in over a decade. Though it appeared, at times, that the Republican-led Legislature and the Democrat Governor would not accomplish their required business (for example, the new budget or Prop 400), both sides made concessions and reached accords.
Republicans in the Legislature were led by Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Ben Toma. Petersen and Toma, along with their chiefs of staff Josh Kredit and Michael Hunter, ensured that their respective Republican caucuses were mostly united and on the offensive against Hobbs’ desired progressive agenda. One of the most significant victories of the year was the Legislature’s defense of the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts program, which has been under tremendous political assault since it was expanded in 2022.
While Governor Hobbs had a turbulent time in her first seven months in office (just in the staff turnover alone on the Ninth Floor of the Executive Tower), she claims to have managed to maneuver past a severe learning curve to work with Republican legislative leaders on key issues affecting the state.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
