About Melinda Iyer

Melinda Merkel Iyer created the AZ Legislature Weekly Update, a condensed, easy-to-follow weekly overview that highlights the most notable bills of each session. Often called “the Iyer Report” or “the Weekly,” Melinda’s report describes each bill in brief everyday language and details its status for the week. She recommends a stance for each bill, and cites multiple sources of information so readers can make up their own minds.

Act Now: Say No to Culture Wars, PEVL Purge & Anti Sex-Ed Bills

As the session drags on, things are getting weirder at our state legislature. A few examples: 1) On the same day, in what felt like the biggest "I'm not a racist" flex ever, Michelle Udall (R-25) sponsored a surprise amendment to fine teachers $5,000 for discussing "controversial" issues like racism in the classroom, and also bucked her party's leadership to advance in-state tuition for "Dreamers" (undocumented youth). 2) When the PEVL purge bill failed the Senate last month, Kelly Townsend (R-16) said she voted against it because she wouldn't support any voting rights attacks until the Senate's so-called "audit" concluded. [...]

By Melinda Iyer|2021-05-09T18:31:50-07:00May 9th, 2021|Arizona, Children & Families, Elections, Local Activism, Uncategorized|

8 Reasons to Pay Attention to State Politics

Melinda Merkel Iyer created the AZ Legislature Weekly Update. State laws directly affect our daily lives. From firearm regulations to DUI, from tax code to community property, the vast majority of laws that affect our daily lives are not federal, but state laws. The feds may get more media attention, but our state lawmakers have the money and influence to decide our state’s priorities — and they are directly responsible for serving us. Our state leads the way when the feds don’t. For four years, with Trump and DeVos in Washington, federal education reform was stalled — but [...]

By Melinda Iyer|2021-02-09T13:50:10-07:00February 9th, 2021|Arizona, Ballot Referenda and Initiatives, Elections|