David Bradley

(UPDATED) Democratic and Progressive reaction to Governor Ducey’s Proposed Budget

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Governor Ducey has released his proposed budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year. It has met with mixed reactions among Democratic and Progressive circles. While commending the Governor for investment hikes in areas like education (with more monies for teacher salaries, counselors, and building repair,) infrastructure, and childcare, Progressive advocates point out that the increases are, … Read more

(UPDATED) Democrats and Republicans offer Competing Visions at the Opening of the 2020 Arizona Legislative Session

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The first day of any legislative session is always filled with feelings of renewal, goodwill, optimism, and hope. Arizona’s Democrats and Republicans had it in abundance at the opening of the 2019/20 legislative session at the State Capital. However, both sides offered contrasting competing visions for moving the Grand Canyon State. The Republican vision, expressed … Read more

As State Budget details emerge, Republicans show they want the Political Sandbox all for Themselves.

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Worried Educators and Public School Advocacy Group members from Save Our Schools (S.O.S.), the Arizona Education Association (A.E.A.), and Red for Ed started to fill the capital on May 20 as details of a Republican only negotiated budget compromise, high on tax cuts and short on education funding, were revealed late Monday afternoon. Seeing the … Read more

New Progressive Enthusiasm and Energy at Arizona’s State Capital

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Democratic Lawmakers rally at the Capital Rose Garden on the first day of the Legislative Session. Photo courtesy of Lynsey Robinson, Second Vice Chair of the Maricopa County Democratic Party.

There is a new Progressive Enthusiasm and Energy at Arizona’s State Capital

It can be seen in the hallways where people crowded the Democratic offices of the House joyfully discussing the legislative prospects for 2019.

It could be seen with the female Democratic legislators wearing white to honor the suffragette movement of 100 years ago.

It could be seen in the early morning rallies with progressive organizations and legislative leaders passionately expressing hope for their ideas and proposals for the New Year.

It could be seen on the House Floor where the parties are at their closest margins since 1966 and some state offices (Education and Secretary of State) were held once again by Democrats.

Democrats, encouraged by the 2018 elections, are ready to shape the legislative agenda and propel the state in a forward direction. Thanks to the gracious invitation of Legislative District 18 (where the author is also a PC) State Representative Mitzi Epstein, this writer was able to witness the events of the day including Governor Ducey’s State of the State Address.

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