Shame at the Legislature. Republicans in the Arizona Legislature have approved a $1.9B income tax giveaway for the wealthy, the largest in AZ state history. Included in the budget deal, which undermines voter-approved Prop 208, are multiple anti-voter bills, an anti-ballot measure bill, and bills that retaliate against anti-police brutality activists, making it harder to hold police accountable. Arizona Republicans also voted against expanding healthcare insurance for kids, though Democrats were able to defeat a school voucher expansion bill. The shameful budget package now sits on Gov. Ducey’s desk, awaiting his signature.
For the People Act fails. Republicans in the U.S. Senate successfully obstructed the For the People Act, invoking the filibuster to prevent the beginning of debate on the bill. The failed vote was expected, as Sen. Kyrsten Sinema continues to defend the filibuster rule with false and unrealisticarguments, despite what’s going on in Arizona. Meanwhile, pressure on Sinema to pass important legislation mounts—activists were arrested outside her Phoenix office on Tuesday, telling her to put people over power at an End the Filibuster rally. Later in the week, Mark Kelly signaled that he is open to filibuster reform on a private phone call.
Chauvin sentenced. On Friday, former police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22.5 years for murdering George Floyd last summer. Floyd’s family had asked the judge to give Chauvin the maximum sentence of forty years, saying his brutal actions that ended Floyd’s life imposed a life sentence on them. Activists continue to callfor policing reform and accountability in the U.S., making it clear that true justice would be if George Floyd was still alive today.
Arrests at Sinema’s office. Ten community leaders were arrested on Tuesday at End the Filibuster rally outside of Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s office, after staging a sit-in to demand that Sinema do what is right for Arizonans and eliminate the rule. Watch this clip from the rally.
Share with friends. Ten brave community leaders put their bodies on the line at the Tuesday End the Filibuster rally outside Sen. Sinema’s office. Share coverage of the action with your friends on social media.