An Ensemble Group of Dynamic Leaders launch Arizona Women for Biden

Ten exceptional leaders in Arizona political and activist circles helped launch the Arizona Women for Biden group on July 13, 2020.

The leaders who participated in the inaugural event for this new group were:

• Arizona Democratic Party Chairperson Felecia Rotellini
• Democratic State House Leader Charlene Fernandez
• Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans
• Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego
• Tucson Mayor Regina Romero
• Arizona Éducation Association Vice-Président Marisol Garcia
• Former Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch
• Educator and Chair of Las Adelitas Arizona Charlene Mendoza
• Student Activist Jillian Khan
• Biden Team Leader Rachel Wallace

All of the participants were excited to be part of the Women for Biden launch and discussed their hopes of the positive direction a Biden Presidency can bring.

Chairperson Rotellini said that “when Democrats win, we all rise and so do all women.”

Mayor Gallego commented that “the path to the Presidency goes through Arizona and women are going to get them (Democrats) there.”

They all condemned the current administration, and by extension, the current Republican leadership in Arizona under Doug Ducey, especially during the COVID 19 Pandemic.

House Leader Fernandez said, “we cannot afford four more years of a Trump Presidency.”

Mayor Evans said that we can no longer have leaders that run government “like it was a business.”

In her comments, Mayor Romero accused Governor Ducey of following Mr. Trump’s “science-denying lead” and faulted him for his “unwillingness to take all steps to protect people’s lives.”

Each one of the panelists praised the Democratic Nominees experience, inclusiveness, good character, competence, and compassion for others.

They all agreed that a Biden Presidency would follow facts (like science) and bring an administration that fights for:

• Restoring the soul of the nation.
• An economic plan that puts workers first.
• Creating a public health job pool that will respond to the pandemic and environmental injustice incidents.
• A nationalized strategy to address COVID 19 which includes increased testing, greater production of protective equipment, and the use of the Defense Production Act which will save more lives.
• Equality for Native American Nations by giving them a seat at the table and investing in technology, infrastructure, and rural broadband.
• Investing in people, education (tripling of Title One money, more counselors, doubling of Pell Grants, free-affordable community college, and Universal Pre-K,) affordable housing, running water supply, and not leave anyone behind.
• A new Secretary of Education that is actually an educator.
• Health Care access and affordability by expanding on the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) with a public option. Also, to improve the number of women on health insurance. The uninsured rate for women in Arizona is higher than the national average.
• End Trump’s draconian immigration policies including ending the separation of families, reactionary court appointments, and the construction of the wall which has damaged Native American cultural sites.
• Protect the environment.
• Give DACA children a pathway to citizenship.
• Raise the Minimum Wage.
• Common sense gun policy and reducing the possibility of more school shootings.
• Reduce the poverty level for women which is higher than the national average in Arizona.

  Chairperson Rotellini closed out the panel saying that

“Arizona Democrats are working tirelessly to turn Arizona blue.” Biden will work for women’s rights… With Biden on the ticket, we will win up and down the ticket form the Senate to the State Legislature. We, women, are the ones that will make the difference. That is what happened in 2008, 2012, and 2018. Help us grow the community of women for Biden by inviting five women to join is. Also, share your story and make time and a date to make calls or text for Joe Biden at joebiden.com. When we put our heads together, we make a difference.”

Please remember:

• Primary Election Day is on August 4, 2020, and General Election Day is on November 3. 2020. Please see the below graphic for all-important voting dates. 
• Please check your voter registration at vote.
• Register/sign up for the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) in Arizona or any state that allows early or absentee balloting and mail. Arizona residents can sign up at vote. 
• Arizona residents, mail your General Election ballot by October 28, 2020, for the November 3, 2020 election.
• Check-in with the Secretary of State’s office where you live to verify your mail-in ballot was received, processed, verified, and counted.
• Know the voter ID requirements in your state.
• If you can, support Clean Election Candidates with a small contribution.
• Also, please remember to stay informed on all the candidates and vote for all the offices on the ballot.
• Also, remember to research all the ballot initiatives, sign to get them on the ballot if you support the measure, and vote on them as well.