On Friday, members of the Arizona Senate Democratic Leadership team made it clear that they would not assist progressives and conservatives in overriding Governor Katie Hobbs’ veto of HB2509, affectionately known as the “tamale bill.”
Last week, homemade tamale fans and the hard-working people who make them to earn a living were just some of the Arizonans devastated when Hobbs broke the veto record set by former Governor Janet Napolitano. Hobbs vetoed her 62nd bill since taking office in January, including the widely popular bipartisan “tamale bill.”
HB2509, sponsored by Rep. Travis Grantham, would allow homemade food producers to sell refrigerated foods that included perishable ingredients like meat & eggs. The bill, which would eliminate regulatory hurdles that made life difficult for small business owners with limited incomes, passed with a super majority, meaning the bill enjoyed a great deal of support from Democrats as well as Republicans.
The leadership team made their position known in a tweet:
“Political power struggles”? When the majority of BOTH Dems and Repubs voted for this? @AZSenateDems outrageous and weak. The only “health” groups against it was the Dept of Health who wants to put more burden and regulation on something already being done. Shameful statement. pic.twitter.com/XRBahOKrcA
— (((Rep.Alma Hernandez))) (@almaforarizona) April 21, 2023
“Senate Democrats will not be providing the required votes needed to override Governor Hobbs’ veto of HB2509. The bill, which we recognize has some benefits, also has some concerns brought forward by health advocates after the final vote. Our promise to Arizona is that we work to enact the best policy to protect consumers and sellers.
As a caucus, we stand ready to work with stakeholders to craft a bill, which could still be considered this session if Republicans Leadership demonstrated that it is serious about addressing this issue. We were elected to solve the problems that are facing Arizonans daily, not engage in political power struggles. It is our duty to serve the people and ensure that their voices are heard, and we are committed to fulfilling this responsibility with the utmost sincerity and diligence.”
“Political power struggles”? When the majority of BOTH Dems and Repubs voted for this? @AZSenateDems outrageous and weak. The only “health” groups against it was the Dept of Health who wants to put more burden and regulation on something already being done. Shameful statement,” responded Democratic Rep. Alma Hernandez.
“I can’t believe this has to be said, but here we go. Democrats should NOT criminalize poor people. PERIOD. No, you can’t have it both ways. You can’t say you stand up for the community and then say that you prefer we wait another year for “changes” to be made. I can’t wait to see those who claim to be progressive legislators & orgs stand up against poor people trying to get by. The community is watching. And I will continue to stand with them, even if I’m the only one standing,” Hernandez wrote in another tweet.
I can’t believe this has to be said, but here we go. Democrats should NOT criminalize poor people. PERIOD. No, you can’t have it both ways. You can’t say you stand up for the community and then say that you prefer we wait another year for “changes” to be made. I can’t wait to see…
— (((Rep.Alma Hernandez))) (@almaforarizona) April 21, 2023
Speaker of the House Ben Toma had agreed to bring the matter to House membership this coming Tuesday to override the veto.
The veto override motion is prepared. https://t.co/BsBOEaQw1F
— Ben Toma (@RepBenToma) April 19, 2023
One lobbyist, Mario E Diaz, former campaign manager for Gov. Napolitano enraged both republican and Democratic supporters of the bill when he implied that the makers of tamales and other homemade foods were unclean when he responded to Hernandez on Twitter.
“Can we please move on to more serious matters please. Glad that @GovernorHobbs vetoed a bill that can have immense public health consequences. Want to help Arizonans who are struggling? Pass legislation that makes consequential impact in Arizonan’s lives. Please.”
Hernandez responded, “Immense public health consequences? Are you serious? Please show me the data. You always want to be friends with governors, but don’t just jump on a wagon to get along. As a fellow Latino, you should be embarrassed to be ok with comparing our communities kitchens to rodents and insect infested.”