Representatives Nancy Gutierrez and Alma Hernandez Get Bipartisan Support for Legislation to Feed the Hungry

Score two bipartisan victories for Arizonans fighting hunger and starvation at the Arizona State Legislature.

Democratic Representatives Nancy Gutierrez and Alma Hernandez, and their bipartisan supporters, were able to steer both HB2579 and HB2683 through several House Committees this week.

Representative and Assistant House Leader Gutierrez’s bill would fully fund school meals. Gutierrez helped steer a similar measure in the last legislative session.

Representative Hernandez’s bill “establishes the Emergency Food Assistance Fund, administered by DES, to ensure continuity of food banks and hunger relief organizations when federal government is shut down again.”

Guiterrez’s bill (HB2579) passed 10 to 2 in the House Education Committee and 15 to 3 in the House Appropriations Committee.

Hernandez’s measure (HB2683) passed 11-1 in the Health and Human Services Committee.

Saying on social media that she “was thrilled to have the bipartisan support” to make sure children do not starve in school, Assistant Leader Guiterrez also wrote:

“Our students deserve the very best, and making sure that families who are in need know that their kids will eat breakfast and lunch is something we can all be proud of.”

Later, she commented to Blog for Arizona:

“The bill just passed the Appropriations committee with only three no votes. I am thrilled that this important bill about feeding our school children is passing. I look forward to seeing it heard on the House floor and moving to the Senate. I will work tirelessly to make sure this is in the budget like I did last year.”

Representative Hernandez also commented to Blog for Arizona on the need for HB2683, offering:

“For middle-class working Arizonans, this bill is about stability and peace of mind. Too many hardworking families are just one missed paycheck, one medical bill, or one spike in grocery prices away from needing temporary help. When the federal government shuts down, hunger doesn’t stop but funding does. And it’s working families who feel that uncertainty the most. Parents who are doing everything right shouldn’t have to worry about whether food assistance programs will suddenly pause because of dysfunction in Washington.

This legislation creates a state-level safety net so that when Congress fails to act, Arizona families aren’t left in limbo. It ensures that food banks remain stocked, that community organizations can meet rising demand, and that families going through a tough season can get back on their feet without falling further behind.

Making sure our most vulnerable neighbors have access to food should never be partisan. HB2683 is about preparedness, responsibility, and compassion. It’s about stepping up at the state level to protect Arizona families, support working people, and ensure that no one goes hungry because of political gridlock. Of course this legislation cannot solve all of the problems we are facing, but I feel it is a step in the right direction. I will continue to work hard to ensure that it makes it to the Governor‘s desk.”

Both boths still have to clear other House Committees before making its way for a full floor vote and then onto the Senate and, if passed there, Governor Hobbs’s desk.

Hopefully, this spirit of bipartisan human decency toward the states less fortunate will continue.