Tucson Politics

  President Joe Biden unveiled Tuesday new protections for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens and measures to make it easier for immigrants brought illegally as children to qualify for work authorization.

  Gun policy has been a topic of debate for decades, but has become especially prominent as the number of gun-related deaths and mass shootings has grown almost every year since 2014, with this past week offering reminders of the continuing salience of guns in American life.

  The deadline is approaching for qualified candidates to file paperwork to run as write-in candidates in this year's elections. One has signed up to run for an office that would otherwise have had no candidates at all — Pima County constable in JP9.

  Arizonans nearly found themselves back in the 1800s, policy-wise. A Civil War-era abortion ban repealed in May would have become enforceable on Sept. 26 – temporarily – if the Legislature didn’t adjourn in time.

  The Marana Town Council is set to change its land development code to allow for duplexes and townhouses throughout that community. Local governments will vote on budgets galore, plus more from local government meetings around Tucson.

  "County Attorney Laura Conover can’t seem to tell the truth. At campaign fundraisers, at candidate forums, debates and house parties, Conover continually lies to the voters and to reporters as well." — former County Attorney Barbara LaWall

  The federal government has sought to bolster election security for years through a popular grant program, but the wildly fluctuating funding levels have made it difficult for state officials to plan their budgets and their projects.

  The Arizona Secretary of State’s Office is working to reach Native voters across the state with Native Voting Hour, a way to hear from voters within Indigenous communities directly as well as provide them with information about their voting rights.

  At least half a dozen states have changed or are considering legislation to start an employer child care assistance program to specifically include child care workers at all income levels who work at least 20 hours a week, though money for programs in some states may soon run out.

  With much of the Southwest baking under record temperatures, immigrants’ rights advocates worry President Biden’s decision to effectively close the border to asylum seekers will endanger lives and further marginalize climate-displaced people seeking refuge in the U.S.

  Within the last few years, Indigenous voters have been considered more as a driving force in elections, and Indigenous voters speak about what issues they’re concerned about or if Joe Biden or Donald Trump has their vote for the presidential election in November.

  Neither Democratic nor Republican lawmakers were very happy Saturday after spending more than 12 hours voting, passing Arizona's state budget just two weeks shy of the end of the fiscal year.

  As news came Thursday of the Supreme Court's ruling to maintain access to the abortion pill Mifepristone, a Biden administration official and Arizona healthcare leaders highlighted the continued challenges to women's healthcare in the state following the reversal of Roe v. Wade.

  States have had their fun with highway safety messages, posting everything from Taylor Swift lyrics to discourage texting in Mississippi, to a “vibe check” to encourage seat belt use in Arizona, but federal safety officials aren’t amused by states’ cheek.

  A 22-year-old Tucson man faces multiple federal charges after police officers found cocaine, weapons modified for fully automatic fire, and silencers in his vehicle, officials said Friday.

  The three Republican candidates for Pima County Sheriff met in a forum Wednesday in Oro Valley and agreed on one point: Sheriff Chris Nanos has to go.

  The Tucson City Council is set to cancel an election it appears to have never had any intention of holding, state changes to zoning laws, Pima Supes' budget, I-11 and more from upcoming government meetings around Tucson.

  Four new court commissioners and a new judge pro tempore have been named by the judges of the Pima County Superior Court.

  To provide respite from the heat, Pima County has opened more than 30 cooling, respite and hydration centers, plus pools and splash pads. The city of Tucson also has facilities, and there are also others available for homeless residents.

  The proposed Arizona budget, crafted after months of negotiations between Republican leadership and Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, faces an uphill battle as members of both parties voice concerns about sweeping cuts aimed at addressing the state’s budget deficit.

Again, the names are:

• Clint Bolick
• Kathryn Hackett King

While you're here, I encourage you to also sign the petition to get Abortion Access on November's ballot.

Already signed? Donations are always welcome!

EDIT - I keep butchering the title. 😢 If I see issues with this one. I'ma wait a bit and assume I'm having a bad brain day. Sorry if you've been "spammed" by my edits/reposts.