We just celebrated our Country’s anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from England. Our founding fathers knew how oppressive a federal government could be and drafted the U.S. Constitution with that in mind.  Now, less than 250 years later, our very own federal government is taking away our individual freedoms, using agencies to bypass Congress, and fights Arizona and other states at every turn.

1.  On June 25, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the part of Arizona’s SB (Senate Bill) 1070, legislation I co-sponsored, that requires law enforcement to check the immigration status of people they suspect to be in the country illegally if the officers are already stopping that person for a different violation.

What did the Obama Administration do in response?: On that same day, the Department of Homeland Security under President Obama’s direction, terminated the 287(g) agreements with all Arizona law enforcement agencies and directed its ICE agents in Arizona not to deport illegal immigrants unless they were convicted of other crimes.

2.  In 2004, Arizona Voters overwhelming passed a voter initiative that requires proof of citizenship when registering to vote and ID when voting at the polls. I helped collect signatures for that ballot measure and the law is working well.
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What is the Obama Administration doing? : It joined a lawsuit against our state to over-turn the proof of citizenship requirement.  (The Obama administration has sued to overturn Texas and other states voter ID laws as well)

3.  Congress, who is elected by the voters, decided not to pass the Dream Act, even when there was a Democrat majority.

What did President Obama do?   He by-passed Congress and the separation of powers balance put in place by the U.S. Constitution and proclaimed that he would give about 800,000 illegal immigrants legal status.

4.  On several occasions I have stood before the Corporation Commission on behalf of my constituents to argue against proposed utility rate increases that were exorbitant and unfair. In those cases, the citizens and I have been successful.

What is the Obama administration doing?  The EPA, under the Obama administration, wants to mandate very expensive, unnecessary environmental upgrades to utility plants that will substantially increase utility rates in Arizona. I’m guessing the President is doing this to satisfy environmental groups that will support him in his re-election bid.  The new EPA mandates will cost $110 million extra at one power plant alone and threaten to shut down the Navajo Generating Plant, the main source of electricity for delivering water into our valley.  Not only will our electric rates increase, but our water rates will soar.  If implemented, hundreds of jobs that support Arizonans, many from the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe, will be lost.

5.  After finding out that people were selling their food stamp cards online and on the streets for $.33 on the dollar, I sponsored legislation that would require ID to be shown when using a food stamp card.

What was the Obama administration’s stance?:  They said my legislation would violate their rule that food stamp customers have to be treated exactly the same as cash customers. Never mind that check customers have to show ID.

I will continue to fight for your rights and freedoms, but until we get a new direction at the federal government level, it will be an uphill battle.  As always, feel free to contact me at 602.926.5413 or DLesko@azleg.gov

My legislation that protects Arizona citizens 1st amendment rights has passed out of the Arizona House of Representatives and Senate Judiciary Committee.  Unfortunately, the ACLU and its cohorts are spreading around all kinds of misinformation and some in the media are repeating it.

 
HB2625 allows employers to opt out of a current government mandate that forces them to cover abortion-inducing drugs and other items related to contraception in their insurance benefits….even if they must violate their religious beliefs to do so.  The employer can opt out, IF and only IF, they have a religious objection.  I doubt many employers will do this.  But I imagine that some faith-based charity organizations, like St. Vincent De Paul, or some mom and pop employers might because providing them is against their religious beliefs.

 
HB2625 does NOT authorize employers to ask or know about employees contraceptive use.

 
HB2625 does NOT authorize employers to fire employees for using contraceptives.

 
HB2625 DOES allow employees who work at the few employers that will actually opt out, to purchase contraceptives outside of their insurance plan.   Walmart sells generic contraceptives for $9/month, which is probably cheaper than most insurance co-pays to begin with.

Ironically, most of the controversy surrounding my legislation focuses on language already in Arizona law, that was not even introduced by me.  It allows women who work for a religious employer to still get the prescriptions paid for through insurance if they are used for a purpose other than contraception.  In those cases, the insurance company, NOT the employer would know this information.  The ironic thing, is that language has been in Arizona law for 10 years and was not introduced by me.  In fact, whether my legislation passes or not, that will still be Arizona law.

My legislation is supported by the Catholic church and other faith-based organizations.  It was written with the help of a national legal organization that fights for religious freedoms…The Alliance Defense Fund.

 
Government should not be mandating people to do something against their religious beliefs. That violates their 1st Amendment rights and is Un-American.  We must protect our 1st amendment right to freedom of religion.  The future of America is at stake.

For those of us that still believe Christmas is the celebration of Christ’s birth, the shift from “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays” is unsettling.   Even though 99% of Americans celebrate Christmas according to a 2008 Gallup poll and both federal and state laws name the holiday on December 25th as Christmas, people have somehow fallen into the notion that saying “Happy Holidays” is the right thing to do.  Why?  After all, the vast majority of Americans are Christians and all of the non-Christian people I’ve talked to say they aren’t offended at all.  In fact, one of my Jewish friends told me that he would be really offended if someone called the Hanukkah menorah a Holiday menorah and he didn’t understand why Christians would do this to themselves.
In addition, NO court has ever ruled that the Constitution demands school officials to censor Christmas carols, eliminate all references to Christmas, or silence those who celebrate Christmas.  Instead, courts have consistently held that students may sing religious Christmas carols during school activities such as choir and Christmas programs, teachers and students may say “Merry Christmas”, schools can name their break “Christmas vacation”, and schools are not required to recognize all other religious holidays just because they recognize Christmas.   It is also important to note, that during Christmas season and throughout the year, school officials must permit students to convey religious sentiments through their school assignments, selection of reading materials, and on their clothing.
The future of the Christmas celebration is in your hands.  Are you going to let it be hijacked by a small group of people trying to destroy it or are you going to stand up for what you believe in?  I, for one, am going to proudly continue to say “Merry Christmas” and I encourage you to do the same.
From my family to yours…May you and your family have a very Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

My parents lived through the Great Depression.  Since childhood they have instilled in me common sense values like living within my means and saving for a rainy day.  At the state level the Republican-led legislature and Governor have worked hard to make sure the state lives within its means.  We have been successful.  Now it’s time to save for a rainy day.  The Governor and legislature have made painful, often unpopular, cuts to bring government spending in line.  We were called names.  We were insulted.  We were picketed.  We prevailed.

Because of our efforts, budget analysts and economists predict our state will have $133-$416 Million to spare this fiscal year.  Instead of spending the money, however, we need to put the money aside for upcoming hard times.

If economists are right, the rainy day is coming soon.  Predictions for fiscal year 2014 show our state may be $610 Million to $1.2 Billion short.  Extra money we have now should be used to offset this shortfall, not used for ongoing spending programs.  The uncertainties in our national economy, the threat that the federal government will push more costs onto the states, possible negative outcomes from lawsuits filed against our budget cuts, and the ending of the one cent temporary sales tax all play a role.

I am proud of our Governor and legislature.  Unlike the federal government, we have put our fiscal house in order.  When the pressure mounts for the state to spend all its excess money, please support those legislators who want to save the money for a rainy day.   Just like the responsible parents who scrimp and save to put money aside in case of bad times, a responsible government should do the same thing.

Did you know that the World Headquarters of Fender Guitar is located right here in the Valley?  Fender is the largest music conglomerate in the world and I am happy that they are located in Arizona employing 350 people.  The former CEO moved to Arizona from California because of our beautiful weather, our lower cost of living, and because of Arizona’s less burdensome regulations.

Listening to "The Maine"

Not only is it important that we keep Fender and other businesses in our community, but it is also important that our state legislature continues to provide a good environment for businesses to succeed and for their employees to live.  The Jobs legislation and regulation reforms our state legislature  passed last year provides a good business environment and our lower taxes and lower home prices provide a good place for employees to live.

While there, we were entertained by “The Maine” a band based right here in the Valley of the Sun and of course….they played Fender Guitars.

In a recent tour of Luke Air Force Base, I had the honor to view the F-16 flight line, stand on the cat walk of the air traffic control tower, walk in a bomb suit used for explosives training, and, most importantly, talk with and witness great men and women who love our country so much that they are willing to sacrifice themselves to keep it safe.

Pictures at

Luke AFB

In a tour led by 944th Fighter Wing Commander Colonel Jose “Hoser” Monteagudo, I learned the value of the Air Force Reserves and how important they are to our local community and to our nation.   The Air Force Reserves is composed of men and women who work right here in the valley in a variety of jobs, train for military operations at Luke, and often volunteer to deploy overseas.  If they deploy overseas, their employers, by law, must hire them back.

Many people know that Luke AFB is in the running to train new F-35 fighter plane pilots.  The environmental impact studies should be released for public comment sometime in September.
But most people, including myself, did not know that the 944th Fighter Wing Air Force Reserves has the facilities to house the F-16 mission alongside the F-35 mission.  It is believed that the F-16s will still be used for another 10 years, so this could be a huge benefit to our state.

In another wonderful development, local volunteers Jerry Iannacci from Glendale, Al Morton from Sun City, and VFW, American Legion, Blue and Gold Star Mothers, and corporate volunteers are helping veterans with everything from finding a job to providing transportation to the Surprise and Peoria Veteran Affairs Clinics.  Operation American Patriot, under the guidance of volunteer CEO Jerry Iannacci, is headquartered at the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center located at 11250 N. 107th Avenue in Sun City.  Veterans and their families can call 24/7 at 623-374-2332 or the emergency number 1-877-749-2332.  Advocates are in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Appointments are recommended.

I want to personally thank Colonel Monteagudo, Msgt James McPhetres, the men and women from the 944th Fighter Wing, the businesses that employ our Reserve members, and the volunteers of Operation American Patriot for the dedicated work you do for our community and for our nation.

As we approach the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attack, please join me in asking God to continue to bless and protect our great nation.

I’ve attended a good number of tea party meetings.  Contrary to what the media and critics continually want the public to believe, the tea party movement is primarily made up of good, honest, hardworking Americans that believe in America.  Many are veterans that have fought hard to defend the very liberties that the tea party groups now want to preserve.  Tea Party members come from every political party.  They believe our elected officials should follow the Constitution and they want government to live within its means.  America is the greatest country in the world.  I’m thankful good people want to get involved.

Congratulations to the Peoria Unified School District for exceeding the overall state AIMS scores in every grade and category!  I appreciate the hard work of the teachers, parents, students, administrators and staff. Educating our children to compete in our global economy is one of the most important things we can do. At the state legislature we continue to explore ways we can help improve education, especially during these tough financial times.  Legislative committees are analyzing ways to reward school districts for high performance and are continuing to explore ways to put more money into the classroom by consolidating administrative costs.

Because of the actions of the current and previous legislatures,  Arizona leads the country in providing educational choices to parents and students through traditional public schools like PUSD and through alternative schools like the new BASIS Charter School in Peoria.  Its sister school, BASIS of Tucson, is ranked as one of the top 10 high schools in the country.  I’m excited to have BASIS in our legislative district!

A new innovative law, sponsored by Senator Rick Murphy and myself, now provides special needs children with even more educational opportunities. The Arizona Empowerment Account allow parents of special needs children who are not satisfied with the education at their traditional public school, to opt out of that school and instead receive 90 percent of the funding the state would have given to their child’s school, and use it elsewhere. They can apply the money to a private school, tutoring, therapy and other services. For more details, visit: http://www.ade.az.gov/ess/ESAs/

This new law not only helps the student, but saves the state money.

Thank you for your involvement in our community.  As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

I submitted the following letter to the editor to the AZ Republic in response to the columns they printed today, June 14th, criticizing the legislature.  In addition, I am unsure why the Governor called the special session since the needed votes were not lined up.  The legislature adjourned the special session because we didn’t have the votes and we didn’t want to spend any more taxpayer money on legislator’s per diem pay.

Letter to the Editor:

The good news is that the “Jobs Bills” supported by Republican legislators is already bringing new jobs into Arizona.  The bad news is that the national economy is still in the tank and good people throughout the country are still out of work.  Legislators had to make a decision.  Should   taxpayers pay for 1.5 years of unemployment benefits for those out of work or continue the payments to almost 2 years. Critics of the legislature have stated that we should have extended the benefits to 2 years since no state money would be used.  But, the money comes from your federal tax dollars or worse yet, from money borrowed from places like China. Let’s help create jobs, protect taxpayers, and save our Country at the same time.

House Majority Whip Debbie Lesko
State Representative, District 9

Memorial Day 2011, photo courtesy of The Glendale Star

I hope all of you had a good Memorial Day.  I was honored to have shared part of the day with Veterans, Active Duty Military, and families of fallen soldiers when I was asked to speak at the Resthaven Cemetery’s service in Glendale.  I was very moved by Chaplain Butler’s speech which included episodes of war.  He really embraced the meaning of Memorial Day.  It was difficult not to shed a tear.

On May 28th I also had the honor of being invited to Rosie the Riveter Day in Sun City.  What a great group of ladies! These women worked in factories and munitions plants while the men were fighting in WWII.  This group of ladies has a spirit about them that you just can’t compare!  One after the other shared memories and then they broke into song….singing a Rosie the Riveter tune.  The women wore Rosie the Riveter Shirts with a picture of a woman wearing a red bandana flexing her biceps.  Over the picture, the motto “We Can Do It” said it all.

Rosie the Riveters, Sun City

“WE CAN DO IT”…That is the spirit of America.  That is the spirit of the men and women who have given their lives and who fight for our Country.  That is the spirit of Rosie the Riveters. That is the spirit that I grew up with and that is the spirit I want to pass down to my children.

I wish all of you God’s Blessings today and every day and may God continue to Bless the United States of America.