Kevin Volk Message to LD17
I’m now three-and-a-half months into my term as an Arizona State Representative, and as expected, serving in office has been a truly unique experience.
Legislating
Serving as a representative is a great responsibility. I’ve been focused on learning everything I can to become an effective legislator—building relationships with fellow lawmakers and staff, understanding how bills and amendments are structured, and navigating the processes (and quirks) of the Arizona Legislature.
We’ve already voted on over 530 bills in the House so far! While voting continues, the focus is now shifting toward the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget.
Last week was a momentous one —we finally secured bipartisan funding for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). The resulting bill combined sustainable funding with reforms to strengthen the Parents as Paid Caregivers program. It passed with broad support and was a big win for providers, staff, and, most importantly, the families who are affected.
But make no mistake – we could have reached that deal and gotten the bill signed months ago if it weren’t for decisions by Republican legislative leadership to play politics.
For months, families were not able to testify. Democratic efforts to fund the program were shut down. Months of political posturing, with press conferences, press releases, and a made-up committee. Months of prolonging and worsening the incredible stress that families are already under as they care for their disabled loved ones. Months of providers wondering if they could keep the lights on, employees not knowing if they would continue to have a job, families facing down impossible choices.
I’m grateful we finally got it done. But I’m not yet used to the kind of political brinkmanship that’s become routine here, after decades of Republican control. I’ll always pursue bipartisanship—but what happened with DDD funding was shameful!
That’s why your involvement matters so much. We’ll only create a more responsible, compassionate government with your continued effort and voice.
Community
I’ve returned to Southern Arizona nearly every weekend. Over the past month, I held two town halls with LD17 Democrats—one on Tucson’s East Side and one in Oro Valley—and spoke to a group in Civano during the April 5th Day of Action. Each event drew over 70 people! We’re planning our next townhall now and hope to secure larger venues and longer sessions. I’ll keep you posted!
On April 26, we had an incredible community food drive event organized by LD17 Democrats where we helped Interfaith Community Services“Stuff the Truck” with food and hygiene items. We gathered over 3,200 pounds of food and almost $700 in donations! What an amazing day!