Americans for Prosperity Making Inroads Throughout Arizona Politics

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is an organization looking to “Reignite the American Dream” as it just celebrated its 20^th year since its formation. The political advocacy group dons itself as the “premier grassroots advocacy organization” attempting to shape public policy. It has four million advocates in all 50 states with 36 chapters – including Arizona and Florida. It reported 102 legislative victories in 2023.

In the Grand Canyon State, AFP Arizona celebrated the passage of House Bill 2509, which would legalize the sale of hot homemade dishes in the state so long as cottage vendors take a food handling and safety course.

The bill originally passed with bipartisan support in the Arizona Legislature, but Gov. Hobbs vetoed the version introduced last year out of concerns it would increase the risk of foodborne illness and poisoning.

She then signed it at the end of March of this year.

Supporters of the bill across Arizona gathered in Phoenix to protest Gov. Hobbs' veto, adopting the slogan "Free the Tamales!" Americans for Prosperity, the libertarian-conservative activist group that had previously held an event in August 2022 in Florida lowering gas prices, hosted a party on the Phoenix Capitol lawn on March 27th, pressuring Gov. Hobbs to sign the new bill, featuring a rally and tamale lunch for participants.

AFP Arizona state director Stephen Shadegg provided acknowledgment for his team's work regarding the legislation win.

AFP holds conservative values in its policy guidelines. For example, relating to economic progress, the organization calls for an end to wasteful spending, corporate handouts, labor reform, and the repeal of regulations that “keep businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities from moving forward.”

Moreover, AFP takes a consumer-first stance on healthcare, stating it looks to “fund patients,” not insurance companies” with a universal healthcare credit and a focus on primary care. Similarly, the organization wants direct funding for students, school choice, and dynamic course selection instead of an all-or-nothing approach.

Finally, the group outlines its case for funding law enforcement, proper rehabilitation for those interacting with the justice system, protecting free speech and the First Amendment, reforming the asylum system, and replacing DACA with legislation that provides “certainty, transparency, and accountability for those who grew up in the U.S. illegally through no fault of their own.”

According to AFP’s scorecard, all Republican legislators in the U.S. House and Senate from Arizona hold a score of 81 or better. As for the Democrats, the highest-rated lawmaker comes in at a score of 20 (Representative Greg Stanton [D-AZ]). Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) holds a score of 60.