Last Week This Morning: Bill banning drag advances
Good morning, Rj! Happy Sunday! ☀️
SB1028 passes committee. Senate Republicans advanced a bill banning drag in public, ignoring testimony from community members on how the bill’s vague definitions have the potential to criminalize LGBTQ+ people for existing in public. It’s a waste of time – Gov. Katie Hobbs has indicated she won’t sign this type of hateful legislation, but this is what Arizona Republicans are prioritizing while they hold funding for Arizona schools hostage. And though the bill won’t be signed into law by the Governor, the dangerous rhetoric used by the AZGOP could signal a dangerous endorsement of violence directed towards drag performers and the LGBTQ+ community all over the country.
Lake posts voters’ signatures online. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes is requesting that Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes launch an investigation into former gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake for possible violation of state law. Lake has continued to spread election conspiracy theories about the 2020 and 2022 elections, and posted a tweet on January 23rd featuring an image that displayed the signatures of sixteen voters. Lake’s campaign has also continued legal efforts to overturn her loss, despite Arizonans rejecting her by over 17,000 votes.
Sinema’s latest campaign finance report. Sinema raised about $800K, with only 5% coming from Arizona donors, and just 1% coming from small dollar donors. On the other hand, about 39% came from private equity groups, and another 15% from corporate PACs. So much for “independence”.
#AZVoucherWatch. Watch this short video from Save Our Schools on why vouchers are harmful to Arizona students.
Sign up for Request to Speak. With this helpful online tool, Arizona voters can offer their input on proposed legislation as they go through the legislative process. It’s easy, and you don’t even have to leave your home! Sign up here.
Bilingual volunteers needed. Join Mi Familia Vota for their February Citizenship Workshop! Sign up here.
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Abigail with Progress Arizona