Last Week This Morning: Ducey’s priority

By TJ Hernandez

At the AZ Capitol. A ban on the abortion pill has failed, though attacks on reproductive care continue. The legislature voted to lift the funding cap on education, with six Republicans voting no, including state Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, who referred to teachers as “terrorists” when defending her vote against Arizona public schools. Republicans in the Arizona House of Representatives passed nearly a dozen bills attacking our democracy and right to vote. 

WTF Wendy. The white nationalist movement has found a key ally in state Sen. Wendy Rogers. She recently praised Nick Fuentes, the racist organizer of AFPAC, and called for the hanging of political enemies. Rogers is known for her love of white nationalism, promotion of Holocaust denial, and for hanging out with neo-Nazis. Read more about Rogers and her connections to Fuentes and the “Groyper Army” here. 

Indigenous voters betrayed by Sinema. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is continuing to lose support from the communities and groups that elected her. Her support of the filibuster has effectively enabled Republicans in state legislatures to make it harder for indigenous people to vote, and tribal leaders are speaking out. Yet, Sinema is still silent on the attacks on our right to vote by Republicans at the Arizona legislature. 

Mesa Starbucks union effort successful. Workers at the Mesa Starbucks have successfully voted to unionize the location, 25-3. The union must now negotiate a contract with Starbucks, though current labor laws do not require the union and the employer to reach an agreement. Over 100 other locations have filed for union elections, including another location in Mesa.

Ducey justifies support of Wendy Rogers. Gov. Doug Ducey spent $500,000 to elect state Sen. Wendy Rogers – someone who openly associates with white nationalists. He says here it was “all worth it” in order to have a Republican majority in the AZ legislature. 

Capitol Watch is back! Check out the first episode of Capitol Watch for the 2022 legislative session.  

Attacks on ballot initiatives. Ballot initiatives allow voters to make laws directly, without going through the state legislature, if you collect enough signatures. This process is now under several attacks this session by Republican lawmakers who want to take power away from voters. We have to fight back – tell your legislators to vote NO on HCR2014, HCR2015, SCR1025, and more.