Happy Mother’s Day
By Abigail Jackson
State Republican Legislators want a corrupt Arizona. GOP representatives in the Arizona House passed the Republican-led Senate Bill 1649 (SB1649) as an attempt to remove appointee expertise requirements for state boards and commissions. SB1649 removes the requirement that appointees to the named state boards & commissions have any kind of expertise or knowledge of the board or commission that they are sitting on, which jeopardizes Arizona’s infrastructures relying on regulation from said boards and commissions. The bill would also allow legislators to be appointed to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee without any knowledge of how legislative budgets work.
Trump is defying the Supreme Court. In a TV interview last week, Trump is still dismissing that his administration continues to deny Kilmar Ábrego García of his constitutional right to due process. When the interviewer reaffirmed that this right is guaranteed to every individual by the 5th Amendment regardless of immigration status, Trump lamented that adhering to the US Constitution would slow down his mass deportation program. The Trump administration’s unlawful removal of Kilmar Ábrego García to CECOT, the for-profit Salvadoran torture camp—and willful defiance of court orders to facilitate his return—are demonstrating a flagrant disregard for constitutionally-guaranteed rights that puts all U.S. residents in danger. We must all stand in solidarity with immigrants and anyone targeted by Trump’s regime now. Urge your members of Congress to put political pressure on the Trump administration to facilitate the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
A little good news, as a treat. Gov. Hobbs has vetoed lots of horrific bills sent to her desk by Arizona Republican representatives, including: three anti-trans bills, including one that targeted trans youth; multiple voter suppression bills, one of which would provide immunity to county-level officials committing election sabotage; a bill that would limit information on reproductive healthcare available to Arizonans guaranteed under Prop 139 in the state constitution; and a bill that would slash unemployment benefits during a national rise in unemployment rates.
Nothing Left Unsaid. The fifth episode of our podcast, Nothing Left Unsaid, is coming out this week! Make sure you’re subscribed to know right when the episode drops. We are discussing all things pop culture and politics, and connecting national news to what’s happening in Arizona. Catch up on episodes on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts
Want to volunteer with Progress Arizona? Join us at our upcoming volunteer training on Saturday, May 10th from 6-7pm!
Learning Opportunity Alert! AZ AANHPI for Equity is seeking passionate youth leaders to participate in their AANHPI Youth Leaders Fellowship. This program aims to empower the next generation of local, socially conscious leaders by providing training, mentorship, and hands-on experience in community organizing. Over the course of two months (June 4 – July 26, 2025), fellows will develop key skills to lead change in their communities. Training will be held both virtually and in person. Make sure to share this with a young activist in your life or register before the deadline on May 21 at 11:59pm.
It’s never too early. Check your voter registration to make sure you are registered and getting your early ballot by mail at your current address and remind your friends to do the same at AZVoterRegistration.com and RegistrateParaVotarAZ.com.