Vaccines. Pres. Joe Biden has announced a new policy to curb the spread of COVID-19, requiring that all businesses with over 100 employees require vaccinations or weekly COVID testing. Gov. Doug Ducey is of course vowing to push back on these restrictions, touting individual freedom (to get sick) instead of fighting for the health and safety of Arizonans. COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Arizona as school districts and universities fight Ducey’s ban on mask mandates.  

Allister Adel. Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel announced that she will be seeking treatment for “unhealthy coping behaviors” and anxiety. Last month, Adel was implicated in the massive scandal over her office’s collusion with Phoenix Police to prosecute protestors with false gang member charges. Organizations like Mass Liberation are continuing to call for Adel to take accountability and resign amid the multiple scandals, investigations, and resignations the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has been embroiled in.

The budget. Following a week of record-breaking temperatures in Arizona, advocates gathered to urge Congress to address the climate crisis by passing the Build Back Better budget reconciliation package. A recently released report authored by more than 200 climate scientists, shows scenarios like heat waves, extreme rain, intense drought, and other disasters will continue to rise unless governments take significant action. Of course, indigenous people have been sounding the alarm for years, and like other black and brown communities, suffer disproportionately from the effects of the climate crisis.

Our moment. Check out the SEIU’s new ad launch supporting a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back Better reconciliation package.  

Build Back Better. Tell your Rep. that you support the Build Back Better Plan, which would ease the burden of high costs for healthcare, childcare, and education for working families.