LSS-SW Advocacy Update: Budget talks, housing needs, Medicaid protection, and ballot measures to watch
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest’s latest advocacy newsletter offers a timely update on Arizona’s legislative landscape, including ongoing budget negotiations between Republican leadership and Governor Katie Hobbs, the return of bills moving to the Governor’s desk, and the House’s expected return to session on June 1. The newsletter also highlights Arizona’s deepening housing affordability crisis, noting a statewide shortage of 110,000 housing units and the growing gap between wages and fair-market rents.
The newsletter calls advocates to action around protecting Medicaid/AHCCCS, which covers about 1.8 million Arizonans, including many children, and encourages continued attention to bills that may create advocacy opportunities. It also previews three certified November ballot propositions related to food tax limits, cartel designation, and mileage-based transportation fees, reminding faith-based advocates to stay informed as more measures may be added.