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Date: 2/17/2025
Subject: Legislative Week - Lunch and Learn
From: LWVNAZ



2025 LEGISLATIVE WEEK FEB. 24-28








WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE LUNCH AND LEARN SESSIONS:

 

Monday, Feb. 24 Federalism and States’ Rights; Intersection of Federal and State Laws and the Impact on Arizonans

 

This is an essential opportunity for anyone looking to better understand how federal and state laws intersect, how they affect Arizonans, and why it matters for the future of our democracy.Come learn with the league about the Dynamics of Power between Federalism and States’ Rights in the Arizona Legal landscape. Hear from two leading experts at Arizona State University. As we see increasing expansion of executive powers at the federal level and state responses, we need to be ready to protect our democracy as these competing powers become misaligned.

We are excited to feature two distinguished speakers from Arizona State University:

  • Dr. Sean Beienburg, Interim Associate Director of the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, ASU, will explore the complex relationship between federal and state powers, particularly how constitutional law impacts the push for increased state authority within this system.

  • Dr. Justin Weinstein-Tull, Professor of Law at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, ASU, will discuss how the tension between federalism and state rights impacts Arizona’s legislative decisions, specifically in relation to voting rights and election laws.


Tuesday, Feb. 25 Funding the Future: Strengthening Public Education in Arizona

Policy Shifts and Educational Equity: The Story of School Funding in Arizona (covers background, context, how we got here)


Speakers: Beth Lewis - Save Our Schools Arizona (SOSAZ) Executive Director & Catherine Miranda,Arizona State Senator


Wednesday, Feb. 26 Drought and Debate: The Legislative Landscape of Arizona Water Policy

Join us for an insightful discussion on Arizona’s Water Crisis: Understanding the Past, Present, and Key Legislative Decisions shaping this vital and scarce resource. As water availability continues to be a critical issue for Arizona's future, it’s more important than ever to understand the historical context, current challenges, and the key policies influencing our water systems.This event will feature expert perspectives on how legislative decisions are impacting Arizona’s water resources and what steps we must take to safeguard our future. Whether you're concerned about sustainability, policy, or the environment, this is your chance to gain a deeper understanding of one of the state’s most pressing issues.Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with experts and equip yourself with the knowledge necessary to advocate for smart, sustainable water policies. Your participation is key to helping shape Arizona's water future.

 

Speakers: Kathy Jacobs, Director of Center for Climate Adaptation Science and Solutions at the University of Arizona, Cynthia Campbell, Sarah Porter, Director Kyle Center for Water for Water Policy


Thursday, Feb. 27 Ballots & Bills: The Legislative Fight for Voting Rights in Arizona

Join us for an in-depth discussion on the legislative challenges and opportunities shaping Arizona's voting rights landscape. This event will explore the use and abuse of legislative referrals through concurrent resolutions, the impact of long ballots on voter participation, and the key issues and strategies that will define the 2025 legislative session and beyond. Our expert panel will also delve into the role of the Arizona Voting Rights Coalition and its efforts to influence voting rights legislation, while highlighting the specific challenges faced by tribal communities in relation to identification requirements, mail ballots, and polling location access.

  • Eric Chalmers, Resilient Strategies – Eric will discuss the use of legislative referrals through concurrent resolutions, the impact of long ballots on voter participation, and what we can expect from the 2025 legislative session and the 2026 ballot. He will also provide insights into voter fatigue and its effect on ballot completion.

  • Alex Alvarez, Director, Progress Arizona & Lead Organizer for Arizona Voting Rights Coalition – Alex will cover the voting rights legislative landscape, what we can expect during this session, and the role of the Arizona Voting Rights Coalition in advocating for voting rights legislation.

  • Patty Ferguson Bohnee, Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence, Charles M. Brewer Professor of Trial Advocacy, Faculty Director of the Indian Legal Program, and Director of the Indian Legal Clinic at ASU – Patty will discuss the impact of identification requirements, mail ballots, and polling location access on tribal communities, along with potential challenges for tribal communities in the upcoming legislative session, including the administration's stance on birthright citizenship.

  • Michael Ramirez, Arizona State Director, America Votes – Micael will provide an overview of the legislative landscape for voting rights and offer a forward-looking perspective on mobilizing voters for the 2026 election cycle.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights into the future of voting rights in Arizona, and how we can work together to protect and expand access to the ballot for all Arizonans.


Friday, Feb. 28 Navigating the Legislative Landscape: Trends & Challenges

Speakers: Legislative Staff, House and Senate