Author: Neil Jones

Republican State Senator Celebrates Multiple Freedom and Government Transparency-Centered Bills Becoming Law

Neil Jones

Arizona State Senator John Kavanaugh (R-Fountain Hills) released his weekly update video Monday, sharing that several of the bills he sponsored have been signed by Governor Katie Hobbs (D). Among these is a bill ensuring Arizonans can fly the Betsy Ross flag.

“I have been in a perpetual with rogue, draconian Homeowners Associations [HOA] throughout my 17 years in the Legislature. I’ve had to pass laws to protect constituents from unreasonable actions by them,” Kavanaugh said. “This session’s unreasonable HOA action was one HOA banned people from flying the Betsy Ross flag. Now that’s the first flag of the United States.”

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State Senate Launches Intergovernmental Committee to Investigate Arizona COVID Response

Neil Jones

The Arizona Senate Majority Caucus announced the creation of a new committee Friday that will review Arizona’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic was a heartbreaking period for so many people on so many different levels,” said State Senator Janae Shamp (R-Surprise), who will chair the committee. “I lost my job as a Perioperative Nurse because I refused to take the experimental vaccine that we now know has produced serious side effects in a number of otherwise healthy individuals. We’ve witnessed lives and livelihoods lost for no other reason than the mismanagement of COVID-19, and we are determined to hold those accountable for the injustices experienced.”

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Arizona Legislative Leaders Continue Fight Against Federal Vaccine Mandates

Neil Jones

Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) announced Wednesday that he, along with House Speaker Ben Toma (R-Peoria), filed an emergency application with the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) to halt any enforcement of President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

“We will not allow President Biden to blatantly undermine the will of the Arizona State Legislature in the protections we’ve provided for our citizens to prevent a COVID-19 vaccine mandate from dictating employment opportunities,” said President Petersen. “The Biden Administration has made it clear that they are against any Americans who push back against this vaccine and will abuse their powers in order to force compliance as a stipulation of doing business with the federal government.”

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Education Superintendent Tom Horne Blasts Opposition to Teacher Pay Increase Bill

Neil Jones
Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne (R) released a statement Tuesday blasting opposition from Democrats and the state’s teacher union to House Bill (HB) 2800, sponsored by Representative Matt Gress (R-Phoenix).

“Shockingly, the Arizona teacher’s union and a number of Democrats in the legislature, oppose the bill. All we can think of is that they are opposed to it because it is a Republican bill. These kinds of questions should be bipartisan, and people should not oppose a good bill, just because [a] Republican introduced it,” Horne said.

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State Senator Blasts Gov. Katie Hobbs After Resignation of ‘Extremist’ Appointee to State Judicial Commission

Neil Jones

Arizona State Senator Anthony Kern (R-Glendale) released a statement Wednesday, calling out the resignation of Catherine Sigmon from the Maricopa County Commission on Trial Court Appointments (MCCTCA) after finding troubling information about her.

“After reviewing the Constitutional requirements for the Commission on Trial Court Appointments, two big factors jump out at me,” said Senate Judiciary Chairman Kern. “First, the Commission is to be non-partisan. Second, the Commission’s primary task is to recommend qualified judge candidates to the Governor for appointment.”

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Surveillance Footage Reveals Democrat State Representative Hiding Bibles from View at Arizona Capitol

Neil Jones

New surveillance footage at the Arizona State Capitol, first covered by AZ Family, shows State Representative Stephanie Stahl Hamilton (D-Flagstaff), an ordained minister, taking two Bibles placed around the House’s member-only lounge and hiding them out of view.

“It’s bizarre and juvenile for an elected public official, an ordained minister nonetheless, to act in this manner. Such actions are disrespectful to the Bible and people of faith, and to the institution of the House and its members,” said House Majority Caucus spokesman Andrew Wilder in a statement emailed to The Arizona Sun Times.

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State Representative Calls off Investigation into Tempe’s Upcoming Special Election After Clearing Legal Concerns

Neil Jones

Arizona State Representative Steve Montenegro (R-Goodyear) announced Tuesday that he is rescinding a complaint he filed against the City of Tempe with Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes (D) after alleviating his concerns.

“Based on information and written assurances I have received within the last 24 hours, I hereby withdraw my request for an investigation of the City of Tempe’s Ordinance No. 02022.56, Ordinance No. 02022.57, Resolution No. R2022.l 70, and§ 12.9 and§ 17 of the Development and Disposition Agreement (“Agreement”) between the City and Bluebird Development LLC (“Bluebird”),” Montenegro wrote in a new letter emailed to the press.

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Arizona District Attorney’s Office Charges Almost 2,000 Illegal Immigrants with Illegal Entry During First Three Months of 2023

Neil Jones

The Arizona District of the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) released the first quarter of 2023 immigration enforcement statistics for individuals prosecuted in partnership with the Tucson and Yuma Sectors of Border Patrol.

“Reducing migrant smuggling and mitigating the risk to communities impacted by these offenses continues to be a priority for the Office and its law enforcement partners. Some of these prosecutions are directed against leaders and coordinators of alien smuggling organizations. Other prosecutions are aimed at deterring young adult drivers, often recruited over social media platforms, from engaging in this dangerous activity,” the District shared.

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Arizona Homemade Food Bill Receives National Support While Senate Democrats Appear to Backtrack

Neil Jones

Support for HB 2509, sponsored by Travis Grantham (R-Gilbert), to receive a veto override has reached nationwide, as the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) sent Arizona Legislative leaders a message Sunday sharing their support for this bill.

“By signing this bill, the Governor [Katie Hobbs (D)] had an opportunity to support the Hispanic community and personal freedom that should be accessible to everyone. Our community should not fear legal repercussions for selling their homemade foods and we urge Arizona Legislators to do what is right and override her veto,” wrote the NHCSL President, New Jersey Senator Nellie Pou (D-Paterson).

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State Senate Republicans Urge Democrats to Cooperate in Creating a Bipartisan State Budget for Arizonans

Neil Jones

With the Legislative session winding down, one of the major tasks left for lawmakers to accomplish is creating a state budget, which needs to be in place before July, or a government shutdown could occur. However, Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) said State Democrats are inhibiting the process by not cooperating with budgeting requests.

“We are just weeks away from some government agencies running out of funding because legislative Democrats are stalling,” said Petersen. “I’m confident we would have already passed a budget had the Democrats spent the last seven weeks negotiating the budget with us, in good faith.”

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Violent Criminal Who Shot at Police and Injured Pregnant Woman Now Behind Bars

Neil Jones

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) announced Friday that Christopher John Garcia, 34, has been placed behind bars after being convicted of violent crimes against police officers and a pregnant woman.

“Victims of violent crime carry with them a lifetime of trauma that in many cases is difficult to overcome. This defendant is where he needs to be; away from society so he will not hurt again,” said County Attorney Rachel Mitchell (R). “To the victims of this crime and all victims in our community, you are the forefront of why we do the work that we do.”

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State Representative Urges Katie Hobbs to Help Create New International Trade Offices

Neil Jones

Arizona State Representative David Cook (R-Globe) shared Friday that he sent a letter to Governor Katie Hobbs (D), asking for her aid in establishing a new trade office in Sonora, Mexico.

“Arizona should act now to increase its competitive positioning in the global arena on topics such as the semiconductor industry, secured supply chains, and clean energy programs,” Cook wrote. “These topics have national security connotations that are crucial for Arizona’s sustainable economic development and our own border security in our region.”

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Arizona Reinstates Drug Overdose Fatality Review Team

Neil Jones

Arizona State Representative Quang Nguyen (R-Prescott) announced Thursday that his bill, HB 2194, to reinstate the Drug Overdose Fatality Review Team (DOFRT) had received Gov. Katie Hobbs’s signature.

“Prevention works and the data provided by the Review Team to help with that is essential to combating dangerous narcotics and overdoses,” said Nguyen. “Entities such as MATForce in Yavapai County, prosecutors, and the State Legislature depend on information from the Review Team to identify and implement recommendations to prevent overdoses.”

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Arizona Gets New Laws Protecting Medical Access and Affordable Housing

Neil Jones

More Republican Legislators have announced that their bills have been signed into law, including State Representative Selina Bliss (R-Prescott), who created a bill to extend at-home medical treatment for Arizonans.

“Save time, save money, stay home – for some medical conditions we see better outcomes if patients are able to receive acute care services at home, as opposed to having to remain in a hospital,” shared Bliss.

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Arizona State Lawmakers Express Frustration with Governor Hobbs for Lack of Support of Bipartisan Legislation

Neil Jones

As part of Gov. Katie Hobbs’s (D) latest record-setting batch of vetoes, SB 1091, by State Senator Anthony Kern (R-Glendale), was rejected despite passing through the House and Senate with strong bipartisan support.

“Helping to ensure inmates get back on their feet and become productive members of society after their release is massively important,” said Kern. “This bill would have really improved the transition process and 70 other lawmakers agreed. Unfortunately, the Governor didn’t take the time to fully understand it.”

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Katie Hobbs Breaks Arizona Veto Record for a Single Session

Neil Jones

The Arizona Senate Majority Caucus released a statement Tuesday, announcing that Governor Katie Hobbs had vetoed another 11 bills, bringing her total to 63 and surpassing the previous record for most legislation vetoed in a single session.

“Vetoing is a tool that weak leaders will use in an effort to control legislative priorities, and we’re witnessing this tactic front and center from Katie Hobbs,” said Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope (R-Coolidge). “Instead of demonstrating diplomacy and bipartisanship, the Governor is showcasing her failure to work across the aisle. Instead of accomplishing the priorities of our citizens and strengthening our communities, she’s done little outside of hosting press gaggles and photo ops with activist groups and Democrats alike.”

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Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs Vetoes More Bills Including Election Policies and School Safety

Neil Jones

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs revealed another batch of legislative actions Tuesday, including four more vetoes for Republican-led legislation.

“Katie Hobbs just vetoed my bill that would have affirmed that courts are to interpret election laws in the interests of transparency – insane,” shared State Representative Alexander Kolodin (R-Scottsdale).

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Tucson Border Patrol Chief Warns Quick Cash Is Not Worth It as Human Smuggling Continues to Rise

Neil Jones

Tucson Sector Chief Board Patrol Agent John Modlin released a warning Monday that American citizens need to be wary of being recruited by criminal organizations to smuggle illegal immigrants across the border because any promises of quick cash do not erase the real punishments smugglers face.

“Criminal organizations will exploit anyone to do their dirty work,” Modlin shared. “Recognize the traps on social media. Don’t fall victim to false promises: Smuggling is a felony.”

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Universal Empowerment Scholarship Account Participation Soars in Arizona

Neil Jones

A new report for the Arizona-based Goldwater Institute (GI) Monday revealed that participation in the state’s universal Empowerment Scholarship Account program is soaring, and so is Arizona’s economy.

“Arizona’s bet on universal school choice is already paying off. At the same time that enrollment in the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program is surging, the state’s revenue surplus has gone through the roof,” wrote Matt Beienburg, Director of Education Policy at the GI. “In the first four months of 2023 alone, enrollment in Arizona’s ESA program has soared by 7,000 students, bringing the total number of children served to over 51,000.”

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GOP State Legislators Laud Bills Getting Signed into Law

Neil Jones

While Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) has been on a veto streak with major bills from Republican Legislators, not every bill gets the axe. As such, legislators with bills now on the books have released statements of celebration, including Senator Frank Carroll (R-Sun City West) on Monday for his bill helping the trucking industry.

“A victory last week for Arizona commerce, after the Governor signed by bill, SB1097,” Carroll said in an update to constituents. “We’ve had issues in our state, specifically in the West Valley, where municipalities are adopting regulations on trucking in their communities in an effort to prevent the traffic associated with commerce. This is a major problem for not only our economy, but for economies of other states.”

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Arizona Supreme Court Reinstates Death Penalty for Murderer Beau Greene

Neil Jones

The Arizona Supreme Court released an opinion Friday reinstating the death penalty for Beau Greene, who murdered University of Arizona (UOA) music professor Roy Johnson in 1995.

“The conduct Greene engaged in, aside from his motive to murder, remains subject to a sentence of death and his actions in murdering Johnson continue to fall within that narrow category of the most serious crimes. Therefore, the retributive purpose served by his sentence in 1996 is still reflected in and served by Arizona law today,” wrote Justus William Montgomery in the opinion.

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Goldwater Institute Demands Phoenix Repeal ‘Prevailing Wage’ Ordinance

Neil Jones

The Arizona-based Goldwater Institute (GI) sent a letter to the City of Phoenix Thursday, demanding it repeals a new “Prevailing Wage Ordinance for City Projects” ordinance.

“It’s important that the public be aware of burdensome mandates that will hurt not only businesses and employees, but all taxpayers. Concerned taxpayers can reach out to their councilmember to urge them to repeal this mandate,” a GI spokesperson told The Arizona Sun Times via email.

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Superintendent of Public Instruction Continues Push for On-Campus Police, Extends Grant Deadline

Neil Jones

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne revealed data yesterday showing support for School Resource Officers (SROs) on school district campuses and said his office would continue pushing to see this across the state.

“There is overwhelming support among parents living in the Phoenix Union District (PXU), statewide, as well as classroom teachers, to keep children and staff safe by having school resource officers at the schools. They not only provide safety, but teach classes, and become friendly with students, so that students learn to trust them, rather than viewing police as enemies,” Horne said.

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International Trade Committee Adopts Plan to Boost Arizona’s Foreign Reach and Business Opportunities

Neil Jones

Arizona State Representative David Cook (R-Globe) announced Thursday that the House International Trade Committee had its first official meeting Monday and has adopted a new plan to increase Arizona’s standings in the world’s economy.

“The Great State of Arizona is going through a transformative process in the international arena,” said Cook. “Our economy is growing, and foreign stakeholders are looking at Arizona for opportunities, including foreign direct investment in the semiconductor industry and trade in the EV-market and innovation. Our first International Trade Committee hearing sends a message to the World that Arizona is the place for doing business.”

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GOP State Representatives Question Arizona School District over Apparent Audit Failures

Neil Jones

State Representatives Matt Gress (R-Phoenix) and Beverly Pingerelli (R-Peoria) announced Wednesday that they are seeking answers from the Gadsden Elementary School District (GESD) after it did not implement some financial accountability measures.

“Allowing this practice to continue some 30 months after they were caught is troubling,” said Gress and Pingerelli in a joint statement. “The audits from the Arizona Auditor General are consequential reviews and are not to be mocked with inaction. These audits are one of the few independent tools the Legislature has to measure efficiency, effectiveness, and legal compliance in the state’s largest annual investment, K-12 education. The Legislature, and the public, are due answers from Gadsden Elementary.”

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Arizona Gov. Hobbs Continues to Veto Republican Legislation to Lawmaker’s Dismay

Neil Jones

Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) unveiled on Tuesday another batch of legislative actions, signing eight bills and vetoing five. Among the bills to not make it was Senate Bill (SB) 1027, sponsored by State Senator Anthony Kern (R-Glendale), which would have increased punishments for fentanyl manufacturers who cause injuries to children.

“We have been fighting the opioid epidemic not just in Arizona, but nationwide for decades,” said Kern. “The least we can do is try to protect our children and future generations from exposure to a deadly drug often laced into opioids. This bill had the support of many Democrats, yet Governor Hobbs continues to show her priorities are out of line.”

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Legislative Houses Combine in New Committee to Study Arizona’s Water Supply

Neil Jones

Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma (R-Peoria) and Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) announced Tuesday that members of both houses will collaborate in a new ad hoc committee relating to the state’s water supply.

“The availability of water for the success of all industries in our state is critical to our economy,” said Speaker Toma. “Strengthening our existing water resources while we secure our future water supply is a top priority as we work to achieve common-sense solutions for our state. We need to study all issues related to water carefully and work to identify any remaining issues that need to be resolved.”

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Arizona State Senator Blasts Gov. Katie Hobbs for Vetoing Election Equipment Oversight Bill

Neil Jones

Arizona Senator Majority Leader Sonny Borrelli (R-Lake Havasu) released a statement Tuesday blasting Gov. Katie Hobbs for vetoing his bill, SB 1074, which he claims would have provided oversight to the electronic equipment used in the state’s elections.

“This bill would have taken the politics out of the voting process and created a neutral party that works for the Legislature. Fair and honest elections are a bi-partisan concern, albeit only when Democrats are the ones to benefit. Hobbs’ obstructive and cavalier attitude has been part of the destruction of transparency and oversight within our elections,” Borrelli said.

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Extended Good Samaritan Law Immunizes Arizonans Seeking Overdose Care

Neil Jones

A bill extending the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose law from State Representative Quang Nguyen (R-Prescott) was signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs (D) on Thursday, prompting a statement of celebration from the lawmaker.

“This is an example of good policy getting passed even with divided government,” said Nguyen. “Prosecuting people who seek or provide lifesaving assistance in drug overdose cases can have a chilling effect and delay or even prevent timely help during a medical emergency.”

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Kari Lake Team Still Confident in Potential Senate Run After Sheriff Mark Lamb Joins Race

Neil Jones

Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb (R) officially announced Tuesday that he is entering the campaign trail for U.S. Senate, aiming to take the seat of Arizona’s Independent Senator, Kyrsten Sinema. To get that seat, Lamb must overcome political rivals on both sides of the aisle, including a potential bid from Republican Kari Lake.

 “The idea of Kari Lake in the US Senate is the worst nightmare of the crooked political machine — the same machine she has vowed to destroy. If the People of Arizona call on Kari to run for Senate, despite the wishes of the ruling class, she will. And if Kari runs, she will win,” said Alex Nicoll, spokesperson for Lake, in an email to The Arizona Sun Times.

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Arizona House Republicans Pass Bills Bolstering Individual, Victims, and Parents Rights

Neil Jones

Arizona State Senator John Kavanaugh (R-Fountain Hills) shared that several of his bills successfully passed the House and committees last week in his most recent update to constituents. This includes a Senate Bill (SB) aiming to ensure laws signed by the Governor receive legal protection from the Attorney General (AG).

“The Attorney General’s duty is to defend these laws, and this bill ensures that they can, but there are safeguards so they can back out if they so want to,” Kavanaugh said.

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Legislation in the Works to Ensure Arizona Cannot Ban the Use of Gas Appliances

Neil Jones

Arizona State Senator Janae Shamp (R-Surprise) released an update to her constituents Monday, explaining that one of her Senate Bills (SB) has received an overhaul that aims to ensure the state cannot ban the use of gas-powered appliances, such as stoves.

“I look forward to passing commonsense protections that ensure the rights and freedoms of all Arizonans,” said Shamp. “It’s ridiculous, and unfortunately no longer surprising, that these sorts of bills need to be passed to counter and block a radical and increasingly ludicrous left-wing national agenda.”

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Pro-Life Legal Nonprofit Blasts Katie Hobbs for Vetoing Bill Aiming to Protect Children

Neil Jones

Scottsdale-based nonprofit Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) released a statement Thursday putting Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) on blast for vetoing Senate Bill (SB) 1600, aimed at protecting a child born alive.

“Every human life is valuable, and every baby deserves to be protected. By rejecting critical legal protections for babies who survive abortions, Gov. Hobbs has made it clear: She would rather cater to the abortion industry than affirm the basic human rights of vulnerable children. Her failure to protect the lives of children once they are outside of the womb is unthinkable and inexcusable,” said ADF Senior Council Denise Burke. “We’re grateful to the Arizona lawmakers who took a strong stand for life by passing this vital legislation.”

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Goldwater Institute Joins in Legal Contest Against an Arizona School District’s Alleged Religious Discrimination

Neil Jones

The Arizona-based Goldwater Institute (GI) joined in the legal battle between Arizona Christian University (ACU) and the Washington Elementary School District (WESD), arguing that ACU was discriminated against based on its religious beliefs.

“A private organization like ACU should be free to espouse its beliefs without fear of retaliation from the government. And K-12 students should not have to go without teachers simply because their school board refuses to hire qualified candidates based on those candidates’ perceived personal beliefs and convictions,” according to the GI.

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Gov. Katie Hobbs Vetoes Bipartisan Ballot Signature Verification Bill Containing Her Own Policies

Neil Jones

State Representative Alexander Kolodin (R-Scottsdale) made an announcement Wednesday that his House Bill (HB) 2322, relating to early ballot signature verification, has passed through the legislature and is now in the hands of Governor Katie Hobbs (D).

“The signature verification rules included in this legislation helps ensure that only ballots cast by lawful voters are counted,” said Kolodin. “These are the same rules that were written by Governor Hobbs when she was the Secretary of State.”

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State Representative Applauds New Executive Order Banning TikTok on Arizona Agency Devices

Neil Jones

Arizona State Representative Matt Gress (R-Phoenix) released a statement Thursday praising the newest Executive Order from Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) banning the social media app TikTok on state agency devices. Gress has a bill moving through the Legislature to achieve a similar result.

“I applaud the Governor for taking action to address the security and data collection threats posed by TikTok and similar apps. The Legislature still needs to act, and the Governor should sign HB 2416, a comprehensive plan to keep the state’s critical information secure and strengthen public safety. It would expand on the Governor’s order, codifying it permanently into state law, and apply to all government entities, employees, and contractors,” Gress said.

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Goldwater Institute Introduces Plan to Rid Universities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs

Neil Jones

The Arizona-based Goldwater Institute (GI) announced Monday that it, in collaboration with Speech First, is unveiling model legislation called the “Freedom from Indoctrination Act” (FFIA), which could ensure College students are not forced to receive instruction around activism ideology.

“This legislation would strengthen the Arizona Board of Regents’ existing requirements that Arizona public universities provide education in American Institutions by stressing the importance of the nation’s founding documents and principles. It would also build on the Goldwater Campus Free Speech Act, which the Arizona legislature enacted in 2018 to protect free speech on college campuses. Importantly—considering we’ve already seen Northern Arizona University require students to take classwork in Critical Race Theory (CRT)—this legislation would also ensure that no student attending an Arizona public university would ever be forced to take courses in ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ (DEI) or CRT as a condition of getting a degree,” a GI spokesperson said in an email to The Arizona Sun Times.

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Superintendent of Public Instruction Says Project Momentum Arizona Will Continue Under His Administration

Neil Jones

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne (R) announced Monday that the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) would take up the funding needed to continue expanding Project Momentum Arizona (PMA) in state schools.

“My job is to make sure student learning increases and test scores improve. Project Momentum Arizona has proven to be remarkably effective where it has been implemented. Every school in the Avondale Elementary [School] District [AESD] is now either rated A or B, and students in the Buckeye Elementary District outperformed the state average in the latest statewide achievement test,” Horne said.

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Arizona Corporation Commissioner Seeks Information from Scottsdale on Rio Verde Foothills Water Solution

Neil Jones

Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) Commissioner Nick Myers (R) sent a letter to the city of Scottsdale and utility company EPCOR, inquiring what the two entities are doing to agree on how to provide water to the unincorporated Rio Verde Foothills (RVF) area.

“The Commission has a constitutional duty to establish ‘just and reasonable rates’ for the customers of the public service corporations it regulates. Therefore, the Commission must always evaluate the cost effectiveness of proposals under its consideration,” said Myers, “that is why as I continue to evaluate EPCOR’s application to provide standpipe water service, I want to make sure more cost-effective options have been properly explored.”

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Katie Hobbs Vetoes Four More Republican Sponsored Bills

Neil Jones

Gov. Kaite Hobbs continues to strike down Republican-sponsored bills, announcing Monday that she vetoed four House Bills (HB), bringing her total to 24 this session.

“Issuing vetoes is easy. Actual leadership requires hard work, and Republicans in the legislature will continue to pass good public policies that make the state better for working Arizonans and families,” said Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma (R-Peoria) in a statement emailed to The Arizona Sun Times.

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Arizona Democratic Party Sues Secretary of State to Keep No Labels Off the Ballot

Neil Jones

The Arizona Democrat Party (AZDP) filed a lawsuit Thursday against several state election officials and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes (D) in an attempt to keep the newly qualified No Labels Party (NLP) from appearing on the 2024 state ballots.

“This undemocratic and outrageous lawsuit is a national disgrace,” says Ryan Clancy, chief strategist for the NLP, in a release emailed to The Arizona Sun Times. “Next time you hear this crowd talking about protecting democracy, remember what they are really doing is protecting their turf. No Labels is confident that the court will uphold the Secretary of State’s decision to certify No Labels in Arizona.”

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Center for Arizona Policy Urges Gov. Katie Hobbs to Sign Anti-Infanticide Bill

Neil Jones

The Center for Arizona Policy (CAP) is urging Governor Katie Hobbs to sign Senate Bill (SB) 1600, sponsored by Senator Janae Shamp (R-Surprise), which aims to protect all children born alive.

“Withholding reasonable care to a living newborn just because doctors don’t expect her to live long is, indeed, heartless and cruel. @GovernorHobbs can prevent this evil by signing SB 1600,” CAP tweeted.

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Arizona State Senator Blasts Gov. Katie Hobbs Following Veto of Vaccine Religious Exemption Bill

Neil Jones

Arizona State Senator Janae Shamp (R-Surprise) released a statement Thursday stating her disappointment with Gov. Katie Hobbs (D), who vetoed her Senate Bill (SB) aiming to ensure health professionals can get religious exemption from taking a vaccine.

“I spent my entire career as a nurse, being an advocate for my patients and ensuring that their beliefs are respected and protected,” said Shamp. “The reason I’m here at the Senate, is because I was fired from my job as a nurse after refusing to get the experimental COVID-19 vaccine. My top priority is this bill because during the pandemic, Americans’ medical freedoms were taken from them, myself included. For me, the Governor’s veto is personal.”

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City of Phoenix Sues Tempe for Allegedly Violating a Noise Mitigation Agreement with Proposed Entertainment District

Neil Jones

The city of Phoenix (COP) filed a lawsuit against the city of Tempe (COT), attempting to restrict residential development in a proposed entertainment district the city is planning to develop near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PSHIA).

“The City of Phoenix, which owns and operates Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, is suing Tempe for breach of contract, asking the court to rescind Tempe’s recent zoning and land use changes and prohibit future residential uses in an area that the Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] says is incompatible with residential development,” according to a statement from PSHIA.

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Arizona House Committee Passes Two Bills Aimed at Improving Housing Zoning

Neil Jones

Two bills passed through the House Commerce Committee Tuesday with bipartisan support, Senate Bills (SB) 1161 & 1163, aiming to provide zoning reform to Arizona so more affordable housing can be made available.

“Big wins yesterday getting 1161 and 1163 out of House Commerce 7-3 for each bill. This is bipartisanship! R’s and D’s understand we need zoning reform in AZ,” tweeted State Senator Steve Kaiser (R-Phoenix).

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Arizona State Senate Passes More Election Integrity Bills Relating to Primaries and Ballot Images

Neil Jones

The Arizona State Senate passed more legislation Tuesday aimed at strengthening Arizona’s elections, starting with House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 2033, sponsored by State Representative Austin Smith (R-Suprise).

“Thank you to the @AZSenateGOP for voting out HCR2033. A bigger thank you to all the grassroots activists who worked so hard to make this happen. Very grateful for you all,” Smith tweeted. “This constitutional referral to protect our party primaries and girding us against radical experimental election systems that disenfranchise voters such as ‘ranked choice voting.'”

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Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction: More Money to Classrooms Means Better Results

Neil Jones

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne released a study Tuesday demonstrating that school districts that put a higher percentage of their budget into the classroom and teacher salaries perform better academically.

“No school can be better than the quality of the teachers in the classroom,” Horne stated. “The surrounding states pay more, and we lose good teachers to those states. We cannot afford to let this go on.”

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County Attorney Rachel Mitchell Announces Sentencing for Perpetrators of 2022 Armed Robbery

Neil Jones

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell (R) announced Monday that four individuals responsible for the 2022 armed robbery of an Arizona jewelry store had been sentenced to prison.

“The victims in this case lived through terrifying moments as they feared for their lives at the hands of criminals,” said Mitchell. “Our office was relentless in the pursuit of justice for those nine individuals inside the store; the money and jewelry taken were recovered.”

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Arizona Court Declares Phoenix Needs to Clean Up Large Homeless Encampment

Neil Jones

The Maricopa County Superior Court made a preliminary order Monday regarding the lawsuit against Phoenix by city residents alleging that it was creating a public nuisance by not cleaning up “the Zone,” a massive homeless encampment near downtown. Judge Scott Blaney ruled in the resident’s favor, ordering the city to clean up.

“Today’s ruling offers hope not just for the homeless themselves—who, after all, don’t deserve to be left in a ghettoized section of the city’s roads—but to the ignored small-business owners in the area, who are forced to try to earn a living in the midst of such chaos,” wrote Timothy Sandefur, Vice President of Legal Affairs at the Goldwater Institute (GI), who previously filed an amicus brief in this case.

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GOP State Legislators Disappointed by Arizona Gov. Hobbs’s Decision to Veto Grocery Tax Cut Legislation

Neil Jones

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) announced several legislative actions on Tuesday, including the veto of Senate Bill (SB) 1063, sponsored by State Sen. Sonny Borrelli (R-Lake Havasu), which would have prevented Arizona municipalities from enforcing a tax on groceries.

“This veto is a disgraceful windfall for cities and an absolute gouge for families,” said Majority Leader Borrelli. “We’re not only paying inflated prices to feed our families, but we’re also paying more in taxes as the cost of food rises. Food is not a luxury; it is a necessity. A tax on our groceries is regressive and hurts everyone.”

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