Arizona State Senator (Minority Leader)

Denise "Mitzi" Epstein




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Water & Environment

Arizona is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Climate change will have significant impacts on water resources and economic opportunities. In the Senate, Mitzi will work with hydrologists, attorneys, and all stakeholders to consider the facts and the science. We must make sure that our choices today will assure access to adequate, clean water tomorrow. As we consider potential sources of water for the future – such as extremely expensive desalination projects– we must address groundwater management now. Otherwise water augmentation is like adding endless water to a leaky bucket. Higher taxes and higher costs for water are the wrong path, but a balance of conservation and growth can be reached if all stakeholders are included in developing solutions.

Government Accountability

Taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability of every dollar our government spends. Too often, programs and cuts alike are passed without a clear understanding of how they will affect our budget and our communities. “How will it affect you?” Mitzi asks real people all the time. Mitzi has experience using analyses and metrics to understand the impacts of proposals before voting them into law. The government shouldn’t be allowed to spend millions of taxpayer dollars on partisan games, whether on farcical election audits or partisan vanity projects.

Safety

Safe neighborhoods are fundamental to our quality of life. Our firefighters and public safety professionals deserve adequate funding to meet today’s challenges as well as a secure retirement. Arizona should pass sensible background checks, to keep firearms out of the hands of people with dangerous histories. Responsible gun ownership is every American’s right, and there are common sense ways to protect children and communities from violence that are proven and effective. It is beyond time to enact sensible laws for safe schools and safe communities. Your safety and your perspective about how to be safe are top of mind for Mitzi.