Kelly, Sinema Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Shadow Wolves Agents & Strengthen Border Security

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, along with Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), and James Lankford (R-OK) introduced the bipartisan Shadow Wolves Improvement Act— legislation that provides U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) with the authority to convert Shadow Wolves from the excepted to the competitive service, which provides additional career mobility opportunities to Shadow Wolves, making it easier to recruit and retain Shadow Wolves agents and improving border security.    Shadow Wolves are members of the Tohono O’odham Nation who patrol the 76-mile stretch of land that the Tohono O’odham Nation shares with Mexico. They are known for their ability to track drug smugglers as they attempt to smuggle illegal commodities across Tribal land, thanks to their unique geographical and cultural knowledge. They also help improve the relationship between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Tribal communities.    In 2022, Kelly and Sinema successfully introduced and passed the Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act — legislation classifying the Shadow Wolves unit as special agents allowed to patrol, investigate, interdict, and secure the border — with broad bipartisan support. Previous to this, Shadow Wolves were classified as tactical officers under ICE Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), making them unable to access the same career opportunities, pay, and job mobility afforded to HSI special agents.    The Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act addressed this gap by reclassifying the Shadow Wolves as special agents; however, Shadow Wolves still lack the same career opportunities as other HSI special agents because of how they were originally hired. Kelly and Sinema’s new legislation solve this by providing ICE with the authority to convert Shadow Wolves from the excepted to the competitive service upon completion of three years of satisfactory service, affording them career mobility and compensation parity with other HSI special agents. This update will enhance career opportunities for Shadow Wolves agents, strengthen recruitment efforts, and improve border security. Additionally, the legislation codifies GAO’s recommendations to improve and expand the Shadow Wolves program.      “The Shadow Wolves are a critical asset to effectively fight against human and drug smugglers at our southern border,” said Kelly. “The Shadow Wolves Improvement Act builds on the support provided to the Shadow Wolves and strengthens their specialized tactical units, ensuring these Native American officers have the best training and career mobility as they work to keep Arizonans safe.”    “Tohono O’odham Nation’s Shadow Wolves are critical partners combating drug smuggling, human trafficking, and other illicit activity on our border,” said Sinema. “Our bill ensures career mobility and fair compensation for Shadow Wolves Agents so they can continue keeping the Tohono O’odham Nation and Arizona safe and secure.     “Border security is national security, and strengthening the Shadow Wolves program is one of the many ways we are working to deploy the personnel, infrastructure and technology needed to ensure we can restore and maintain operational control of the border,” said Hoeven. “Shadow Wolves agents do a tremendous job protecting against drug trafficking in Indian County. As we work to expand this program, including up to the northern border, it is critical we can recruit, train and retain qualified individuals in this initiative. That’s exactly what this legislation will help accomplish.”   “ICE Shadow Wolves agents—a Native American tactical patrol unit—use their unique expertise and personal knowledge to stop drug traffickers and human smugglers from coming across the southern border. Giving these critical law enforcement officers access to expanded career mobility and opportunity not only supports their work to secure the border but also strengthens recruiting and retention for agents,” said Lankford.   “The Shadow Wolves are an elite, all-Native American tracking and investigative unit with decades of experience, who use both technology and traditional tracking methods to interdict human and drug smuggling on the Tohono O’odham reservation. The Tohono O’odham Nation strongly supports the Shadow Wolves Improvement Act, which will further enhance the effectiveness of the Shadow Wolves program by improving retention and recruitment and expanding the program. The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee has done great work incorporating feedback from the Nation into this bill. Its passage will ensure that this group of Native American agents can continue to grow and provide their uniquely important capabilities to protect the Tohono O’odham and the U.S. homeland,” said Verlon Jose, Chairman of Tohono O’odham Nation.   “Public Safety, particularly drug and human trafficking, continue to be a priority for Indian Country. These issues are uniquely difficult for tribal communities, like the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, who are located along the U.S. border. The Shadow Wolves Improvement Act is an additional tool within the law enforcement toolbox that will help. The Tribe appreciate Senators Sinema and Hoeven introducing this legislation and urge its swift passage in the Senate,” said Jamie Azure, Chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.   “The Shadow Wolves Improvement Act is a necessary step forward to provide appropriate guidance and options to a group of Native American law enforcement agents which will permit them to receive the same compensation, benefits, and opportunities as their non-native brothers and sisters,” said President Mat Silverman of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA). “FLEOA recognizes the value and expertise the Shadow Wolves provide and support the expansion of this program. Our country and Native American border communities will benefit from the increased opportunities, increased safety, and equality this Act will bring to the Tohono O’odham Nation and other tribes across this great nation.”

LUCHA Vows to Challenge Unjust Ruling – Hostile Court Is Putting Arizonans at Risk of Persecution & Racial Profiling. Prop 314 (HCR 2060) is Stop and Frisk on Steroids

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
PHOENIX – W e are outraged by yesterday’s decision against the people of Arizona and will vigorously challenge this ruling. This decision impacts the fundamental civil rights of Arizonans and undermines the principles of fairness and justice. LUCHA, a membership-led organization comprising predominantly people of color and low-income individuals, is deeply concerned about the implications of Prop 314. We continue to assert that this legislation violates Article IV, part 2, section 13 of the Arizona Constitution, known as the “Single Subject Rule.”  Stop and Frisk on Steroids  “If Prop 314 reaches the ballot box this November, many Arizonans will be disproportionately targeted and subjected to suspicion and persecution. This discriminatory legislation will lead to over-policing in every community across our state. Said Alejandra Gomez, Executive Director of LUCHA. Gomez Continued, “Make no mistake—this is Stop and Frisk on steroids. Arizonans, even those hundreds of miles from the border, will be under intense scrutiny by law enforcement. A routine traffic stop could quickly escalate into an inquiry about citizenship status and possible detainment based solely on the color of your skin and your last name. This is the broad scope of power that local police will inflict on our communities.”  Before Prop 314 was passed, the Arizona Legislature made several unsuccessful attempts to enact its provisions through other means. These included: SB 1231, which criminalized illegal border crossing was vetoed by Governor Hobbs for being harmful to communities, businesses, law enforcement, and the judicial system. HB 2820, which aimed to create new criminal offenses for fentanyl trafficking. HB 2821, which sought to provide civil immunity for state officials, employees, or contractors enforcing immigration law. HB 2748, which would have required magistrates to issue orders for individuals who entered or attempted to enter the country to return to their country of origin. These failed legislative efforts highlight the inherent issues and widespread opposition to the provisions now consolidated in Prop 314.  L UCHA remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of our members. We will continue to fight this unjust ruling and advocate for a fair and just society for all.

‘Secure the Border Act’ Withstands Frivolous Constitutional Challenge, Will Appear on November Ballot

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate Republicans are proud to announce Arizona voters will still get the opportunity to take border security matters into their own hands this November with the Secure the Border Act (HCR 2060). Late last week, a superior court judge blocked a frivolous lawsuit filed by radical left activists in a bogus attempt to keep the measure off the ballot. The Secure the Border Act is similar to Texas’ SB 4 and would provide local, county, and state law enforcement the authority to arrest individuals who are non-U.S. citizens entering Arizona from Mexico outside of a lawful port of entry. SB 4 is currently on hold as it’s being litigated in federal court. If upheld by the courts and if Arizona voters support the Secure the Border Act in November, this specific provision of the bill would take effect in Arizona 60 days after implementation in Texas. Other provisions in the bill, not contingent on court rulings, include harsher penalties for drug dealers trafficking fentanyl across the border that leads to an overdose death of a person. It will also establish a state crime of any individuals living in Arizona illegally who knowingly submit false information or documents to apply for government benefits or apply for employment. Lastly, it will require state agencies administering benefits to use the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program, in addition to current state verification systems when determining eligibility of non-U.S. citizens. “My colleagues and I worked tirelessly this session to create impactful legislation to help secure our border because the people of Arizona are desperately asking for it,” said Senator Janae Shamp. “The attempts from Arizona Democrats and radical left activists to deprive voters of the opportunity to decide on this matter is truly appalling. From the spreading of misinformation to the filing of frivolous lawsuits, they will stop at nothing to keep our border wide open and perpetuate Biden’s border crisis. The federal government has neglected the safety of our citizens, and the time has come to empower Arizonans to fight back against the tyranny. I wholeheartedly believe the Secure the Border Act will save countless lives, save billions in taxpayer dollars, and strengthen our national security.” “While the Biden Administration continues to turn their backs on our law enforcement, we will not,” said Senator David Gowan. “These men and women are putting their lives on the line to protect our communities from the deadly crimes associated with the border crisis, and they deserve the tools and support they need to do their job. Our law enforcement reached a breaking point a long time ago. It’s now up to everyday Arizonans to stop the lawlessness.”

Statement from Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin on Attempted Assassination of President Trump

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff

“I am disgusted and appalled by the attempt on President Trump’s life.  In the United States, we resolve our differences at the ballot box and move on.  We have had too many presidents and candidates struck by assassins or would-be killers.  My fervent prayers are for President Trump, his family, and the families of the victims.

I want to assure Maricopa County residents I will do everything I can to keep them safe while they exercise their constitutional right to vote.  And I will make sure our law enforcement and public safety officials have all the resources they need. Once again, I pray for President Trump’s full and complete recovery.”

Recent Report Ranks Arizona as No. 2 State for Lowest Energy Costs

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
Phoenix, Ariz. – The Grand Canyon State is the second least-expensive choice when it comes to energy costs, a new report has found.  WalletHub, a personal finance website, analyzed energy affordability across all 50 states and recently released its report, “Energy Costs by State in 2024” ( https://wallethub.com/edu/energy-costs-by-state/4833 ).  The report looked at four residential energy types: electricity, natural gas, motor fuel, and home heating oil.  Arizona ranked number 49 in the report, which is sorted by the most expensive average monthly energy bill.  Arizona is the second cheapest state for overall energy costs, with an average monthly bill of $400.  In other key categories in the report, Arizona ranked number 22 for electricity rates at $152 per month, and number 50 for natural gas rates at $69 per month, with number 1 being the most expensive and number 50 being the cheapest.  The Arizona Corporation Commission works to vigorously ensure safe, reliable, and affordable utility services.  Our priority is to ensure that rates are equitable and fair among customers.  The Commission has prudently protected the consumers and the electric grid during record high inflation.   A few factors that distinguish Arizona from other states:  
  1. Diverse generation sources – Arizona relies on a mix of generation sources, from nuclear, natural gas, hydropower, renewables, and battery storage.
  2. Self-Sufficiency – Arizona is not dependent on imported power.  We tap into the market if needed, but our utilities’ primary focus is providing Integrated Resource Plans to guarantee future readiness.  The Commission diligently oversees utility upgrades and construction.
  3. Proactive maintenance to ensure reliability – The Commission prioritizes daily maintenance and line work leading up to summer to ensure the grid is ready for the extreme heat and high load.
  “The data released in the report reflects the priorities of our Commission – reliable energy at the most affordable rates, said Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson. “I’m proud of the service and affordable rates we work hard to provide to ratepayers throughout the state.”   “Arizona energy has become the second cheapest in the nation. This is a great achievement!” said Commissioner Nick Myers.  “As promised, we’ve been continuously working to improve the investor rankings for Arizona and its utilities, and I am happy Arizona is working towards a much better energy environment.”   “The Arizona Corporation Commission staff has worked diligently to address the needs of all Arizonans by holding down costs and supporting increased energy supplies. This is demonstrated in the “Energy Costs by State” report by WalletHub. The benefits to consumers are reasonable rates and adequate supply of energy,” said Doug Clark, Executive Director.   The Commission is proud of the rigorous resource planning by our Staff and utilities that helps make our energy landscape safe, affordable, and reliable. 

Gallego Demands Accountability for Security Failures that Enabled Trump Assassination Attempt

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
PHOENIX – Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), sent a letter to U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle calling for accountability and demanding answers regarding the security failure that enabled the assassination attempt on President Trump. “Yesterday’s incident, which led to the tragic death of an onlooker and several injuries, including to President Trump, raises grave concerns regarding the security measures – or lack thereof – that were taken to protect a former President of the United States and a Major Presidential Candidate,” wrote Rep. Gallego. “I call on all those responsible for the planning, approving, and executing of this failed security plan to be held accountable and to testify before Congress immediately.” To understand what led to yesterday’s security failure and prevent future incidents, Rep. Gallego demanded answers to the following questions:
  • Did the Trump campaign request additional protection or resources for this event? If so, were those resources denied, and why?
  • Did the Secret Service detail, separate from President Trump’s campaign team, request additional resources?
  • Who approved the security plan for this event?
  • Was a proper threat assessment of nearby buildings conducted?
  • Did attendees of the event raise any alarms? If so, how were any concerns handled before the attempted assassination?
  • Were there any failures in protocol that enabled the shooting? If not, how was President Trump, one of only six living current or former Presidents and a current Major Presidential Candidate, almost assassinated, and what needs to change?
  • Will the Secret Service reconsider its denial of protection for Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.?
“We are a nation of laws and of free and fair elections. It is why we are the greatest country in the world,” Rep. Gallego concludes. “This was a security failure at the highest level, not seen since the attempted assassination of President Reagan. This cannot happen, and I demand accountability.” Full text of the letter can be found HERE.

Braun holds huge money advantage over McCormick

Posted on by Brian A. Howey

Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Braun out-raised Democrat Jennifer McCormick $6.185 million to $781,690, respectively, in the first half of the year. He out-spent her $8.58 million-to-$290,000 during that same time period.

The mid-year quarterly financial reports through June 30 submitted to the Indiana Election Division on Monday also revealed Braun holds $1.68 million cash on hand compared to McCormick’s $700,013. 

Braun began the year with a $4.087 million balance. He spent much of that $8.58 million to win the Republican nomination against five GOP primary opponents. McCormick had a $209,252 beginning balance and ran unopposed in the May primary.

Republican lieutenant governor nominee Micah Beckwith reported $81,105 in contributions for the quarter, spent $99,439 and had an ending cash balance of $15,126. He began the year with $33,480. There was no activity from Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Terry Goodin.

Libertarian nominee Donald Rainwater raised $86,734 for the second quarter, spent $22,645 and had an ending balance of $77,210.

McCormick’s financial haul pales in comparison to what Democrat John Gregg raised during his 2012 and 2016 campaigns, the last cycles that Indiana Democrats were competitive in a governor’s race.

In his 2016 rematch with Gov. Mike Pence, and then with Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb after Pence was nominated for U.S. vice president, Gregg posted $3.025 million for the second quarter and had $5.833 million cash on hand. Pence posted $4.1 million and had $7.4 million cash on hand.

In 2012, Gregg posted $1.7 million in his mid-year report, compared to $3 million for Pence.

In the first two weeks of this month, Braun has out-raised McCormick $533,000-to-$9,000 in large donations posted on the Election Division website.

Brian A. Howey is senior writer and columnist for Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs. Find Howey on Facebook and X @hwypol.

Correction: This story has been updated to clarify that Mike Braun has raised $6.18M in the first half of the year.

FSSA asks for stay while it appeals Healthy Indiana Plan ruling

Posted on by Jarred Meeks

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration on Friday filed a motion to stay while it appeals a ruling that vacated federal approval for the state’s Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0.

In addition, the administration last week sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services seeking its support and reissuance of the plan’s approval “in its entirety if a stay is not granted,” the administration said in a Friday news release.

The state’s Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0 provides Medicaid coverage for about 760,000 Hoosiers aged 19 to 64. Offered since 2007, the plan received a 10-year approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2020.

A federal judge in June struck down that approval. Summary judgment was granted to the plaintiffs in the case — three Indiana residents — who claimed the program’s approval violated the Administrative Procedure Act.

The case, first filed in 2019, is now appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

If unsuccessful, the administration fears it might be required to transition some “Plus” plan members to the two-tiered plan’s “Basic” benefit package, which doesn’t include vision, dental and other benefits. They would also be forced to make co-payments, the administration says, instead of monthly POWER Account contributions that resemble premiums.

“The removal of the entire HIP approval also risks the state’s ability to collect the Hospital Assessment Fee, which helps fund coverage for HIP members,” the administration said in the release. “Without this funding, it is unlikely the state can continue to provide coverage at the current enrollment, utilization and reimbursement levels.”

Of the plan’s approximately $5.6 billion annual budget, the Hospital Assessment Fee, a provider-related tax, funds “the vast majority of the 10% state share,” Indiana Medicaid Director Cora Steinmetz wrote in a memorandum filed Friday. She said the fee generates more than $415 million annually to fund the plan.

The administration further contends the federal ruling conflicts with state law, which the administration says would require it to initiate “substantial systems and operational changes that will take 12 months or more.”

On July 1, administration officials halted a planned resumption of charging premiums to those enrolled in the plan, citing uncertainty created by the judge’s ruling. The memorandum says the administration plans to continue the premium pause.

The opening of the Republican National Convention: A crucial moment for citizens nationwide

Posted on by Alison Bethel

As the Republican National Convention kicks off in Milwaukee today, the eyes of the nation turn to a pivotal event that could shape the political landscape for years to come. This year’s convention isn’t just a gathering of party faithful; it’s a crucial moment to engage with the democratic process, understand the policies and platforms being proposed and scrutinize the leaders vying for our votes.

The significance of this event — at this time in our nation’s history — cannot be overstated. Milwaukee, a vibrant city with a rich political history, is the perfect backdrop for such a consequential gathering. It is in battleground states like Wisconsin where the future direction of the country often hinges. These are places where every vote counts, and every policy proposal is weighed with keen interest.

State Affairs is on the ground, ensuring that the stories and voices from this convention are heard far and wide. Our dedicated team of reporters is following key candidates and state delegates not only from Wisconsin but also from other critical battleground states like Louisiana and Tennessee. These states are microcosms of the diverse political, social and economic challenges facing the nation. By focusing on these areas, we aim to provide our readers with comprehensive coverage that highlights the stakes involved and the potential impacts on their daily lives.

As a former Washington Bureau Chief for a major, mainstream newspaper, I am no stranger to national political conventions. I know firsthand that the RNC is more than just speeches and pageantry. It is a forum where ideas clash, alliances form, and future state and national leaders emerge. For citizens, it is an opportunity to see beyond the rhetoric and assess the substance of what is being offered. 

For state lawmakers, national political conventions serve as a crucial nexus where state and national politics intersect, providing state legislators with the tools, connections and knowledge they need to effectively represent their constituents and navigate the complexities of governance. 

The agendas and priorities set at the RNC often trickle down and influence state-level legislation. And the priorities and direction that the national party will take, can — and often does — affect local legislative agendas.

In these uncertain times, the role of the press is more vital than ever. At State Affairs, we are committed to delivering in-depth, unbiased reporting that empowers our readers with the information they need to make informed decisions. As the convention unfolds, we will continue to bring you stories from the front lines that are important to you on the local level, providing context and clarity on the issues that matter most.

Follow along this week: WisPolitics Convention Corridor; WisPolitics on X; Kate Morton on X; Jeremy Alford on X; State Affairs Tennessee on X

Kennedy, Stein presidential campaigns file for Indiana ballot

Posted on by Tom Davies

The campaigns of independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Green Party candidate Jill Stein submitted petition signatures Monday to appear on Indiana’s presidential ballot this fall.

County election officials last week certified enough petition signatures from Kennedy’s campaign to meet the state’s requirement of nearly 37,000, according to unofficial tallies submitted to the state Election Division.

The Stein campaign was several thousand short at the time but submitted a filing by Monday’s noon deadline with the Election Division.

The Election Division said staffers were working Monday afternoon to total the number of certified signatures from registered voters submitted by the Kennedy and Stein campaigns to confirm they met the ballot requirement.

Neither the Kennedy nor the Stein campaigns immediately responded Monday to messages from State Affairs seeking comment on their filings and number of signatures they submitted.

Kennedy, Stein ballot quests

Kennedy and Stein are seeking to join presumptive Democratic and Republican candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump, respectively, and Libertarian Chase Oliver on the Indiana presidential ballot. 

The Kennedy campaign said in a news release last week it had submitted more than 105,000 signatures to county election offices for certification by the July 1 deadline.

“While canvassing for signatures, 99% of the people I encountered wanted to sign the petition to get Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the ballot,” Indiana campaign volunteer Dolores Lane said in the campaign statement. “Indianans are ready to end government corruption and embrace healthy people, healthy food, healthy soils — and the return of our constitutional freedoms.”

Stein said in a July 2 social media post that her campaign had turned in about 55,000 signatures for certification.

“I’m incredibly proud of our team — especially our super volunteers in Indiana who pulled off the impossible,” Stein’s post said.

Kennedy and Stein are seeking to become the first candidates to make Indiana’s statewide ballot through the petition process since Patrick Buchanan’s 2000 presidential campaign.

Libertarian Party candidates have automatically qualified for the Indiana ballot since 1994, with the party’s secretary of state nominee topping the state law requirement of 2% of the vote in that race every four years.

A federal lawsuit filed on behalf of the Green Party and the Libertarian Party claims Indiana has one of the most restrictive ballot access laws in the country, with effective petition drives costing $500,000 or more. 

A U.S. District Court judge upheld the law last year, and the Chicago-based 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has yet to rule on an appeal of that decision after hearing arguments in April.

Other independent candidates make ballot

Meanwhile, the Election Division said it had certified independent candidates Robert Slaughter in the 5th Congressional District and John Woodard in state Senate District 50 had submitted enough signatures to appear on the November ballot.

Slaughter will join Republican U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, Democrat Deborah Pickett and Libertarian Lauri Shillings on the November ballot.

Woodard will be the only challenger to Republican state Sen. Vaneta Becker of Evansville.

Tom Davies is a Statehouse reporter for State Affairs Pro Indiana. Reach him at [email protected] or on X at @TomDaviesIND.

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