Gov. Doug Ducey’s implementation of a statewide emergency and curfew “at the request of local leaders†has drawn the ire of many of those leaders, including the mayors of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s two-largest cities, who said they haven’t spoken to the governor in months.
While it remains unclear who made the request, Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier said this week that he spoke with Ducey before the order was issued and supported the action.
“I have spoken to the Governor on the phone this afternoon and reviewed the Declaration,†he said in a press release. “The expression of outrage and anger over the death of George Floyd is understandable and shared by me. What we cannot allow is the expression of that outrage and anger to be demonstrated in unlawful and violent behavior.â€
Reaction to the order has differed throughout the rest of the area.
People are also reading…
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Mayor Regina Romero expressed frustration in a tweet about how she wasn’t given a heads up by Ducey. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ police Chief Chris Magnus said he spoke with Ducey prior to the order, but he didn’t mention a curfew was coming. Marana Mayor Ed Honea said the riots and financial fallout from the coronavirus , according to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Local Media.
Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry told the Star that he did not receive notice of the decision to set a curfew, but that he felt “the governor was fully justified in making that decision because it gave law enforcement the authority to disperse groups of people down here if necessary.â€
Poll suggests support of wealth tax for education
A new poll suggests that a majority of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ voters support an Invest in Ed ballot initiative, which would raise about $940 million a year for education through a surcharge on high-income earners.
Out of 600 likely 2020 voters surveyed by phone between May 19 to 21, 60% would vote yes for the initiative, the poll conducted by Lake Research Partners found. Of the participants, 32% said they would vote no, and 6% were undecided.
Democrats surveyed overwhelmingly support the measure at 84% while 57% of independent voters said they support it.
But even 41% of registered Republicans surveyed said they would vote yes, despite the fact that ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s Republican governor, Doug Ducey, said back in January when the Invest in Ed campaign was launched that he would do whatever is necessary to keep voters from approving the measure.
Republican lawmakers are not in step with their voters, said campaign spokeswoman Stacy Pearson.
“Republican voters have recognized that education is key in economic recovery in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥,†she said.
Protesters laid in the road for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in symbolic protest of the death of George Floyd.
The initiative needs to gather nearly 240,000 valid signatures by July 2 to make it on the November ballot. In 2018, nearly double the signatures needed were collected for an earlier version of the initiative. The ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Supreme Court kicked it out, saying the measure didn’t actively describe how all taxpayers would be affected.
This measure would generate additional funding for public education by imposing an income tax surcharge of 3.5% on taxable income above $250,000 annually for single filers and above $500,000 annually for joint filers.
“If we want to attract the best employers, we have to have the best education,†Pearson said. “Or at least one that is not 50th.â€
Teachers union gives Democrats A’s, B’s on education votes; Republicans get f’s
The ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Education Association released its 2020 Legislative Report Card with unsurprising results.
Throughout the state, as well as in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Democratic legislators largely voted in line with the agenda of the largest professional organization for public school employees in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Republican lawmakers did not.
The teachers association gave Pima County’s Democratic lawmakers — five senators and 10 representatives — A’s or B’s based on their votes on key education bills. And the county’s two Republican senators and four representatives, serving large parts of Marana and Oro Valley as well as the far east region of the county, all earned F’s.
The report card is meant to be a tool to inform ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ voters about how their elected officials are voting on education issues, AEA President Joe Thomas said in a statement.
“Since the #REDforED movement, educators have become increasingly aware of the role politics play in impacting their work in our public schools,†he said. “With questions around schools reopening and the COVID-19 health crisis, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ns are even more focused on policy makers’ decisions on the state budget, revenue and tax cuts.â€
The report card summarizes the voting record of current state lawmakers on 2020 bills in the House and Senate that impact education. The association also factored in 2019 grades for each lawmaker’s rating in the report card.
The complete report card with lawmaker’s votes, grades and the selected bills can be found at .
Photos: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ans rally against police brutality at UA, police headquarters
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Protesters lie on the road in memory of George Floyd during an impromptu protest outside the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A poster in honor of George Floyd is placed on a column at the Student Union Memorial Center during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Supporters listen to speaker Grant Knox during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A person raises a sign during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Grant Knox speaks during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A sign baring a list of black people killed in the last few decades is held up by a protester during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Police officers are seen on the third story of the student union during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A protester raises a sign during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A sign reading "no justice, no peace" is seen in a sea of protesters during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

The shadow of a supporter raising a sign shows on the grass of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Mall during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Two supporters sit in the shade with posters on their legs during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A supporter wears "Black Lives Matter" earrings during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A large group of supporters stand on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Mall while listening to speakers during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Brian Seastone, University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ police chief, stands with supporters during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A supporter stands against a glass door while holding a "Black Lives Matter" sign during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Supporters hold up signs during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Light shines on a supporters sign during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A supporter sits on a curb while holding a "End Police Brutality Black Lives Matter" sign during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A group of supporters hold up signs during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Members of the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department watch rally members disperse after March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Stephanie Williams, left, takes a photo of Briana Felix and University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Chief of Police Brian Seastone following March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Supporters listen to speakers from the porch of Old Main during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Light shines on a supporters sign during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Andrew Kirima holds his fist up in solidarity during a chant at a rally organized by March for Justice in front of Old Main in the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A group of supporters stand near the back while listening to speeches about race during a rally against police brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3rd, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Two supporters hold up a “Black Lives Matter†sign while listening to speeches about race during a rally against police brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3rd, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Protesters lie on the road in memory of George Floyd during an impromptu protest outside the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A protesters raises a sign as others lie on the road in memory of George Floyd during an impromptu protest outside the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A protesters raises his fist as others lie on the road in memory of George Floyd during an impromptu protest outside the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Officers look on as protesters lie in the road in memory of George Floyd outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Officers take a knee with protesters outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020. The acts was appreciated by some in the crowd while others saw it as surface level.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Protesters wave signs outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Protesters wave signs outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Vannessa Medina sits on the ground in front of fellow protesters as an officer from TPD talks to the remaining crowd outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Vannessa Medina sits on the ground in front of fellow protesters as an officer from TPD talks to the remaining crowd outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Aireona Slan listens as an officer answers questions outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A protester talks to a TPD officer during an impromptu rally outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Chelsi Austin (right) asks Officer Diana Duffy (left) questions outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A person holds up a black lives matter sign during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Protesters hold up signs in front of Old Main during a rally organized by March for Justice on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Andrew Kirima raises a fist in solidarity during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Jasmine Demers and Justin Sayers
Danyelle Khmara
Danyelle Khmara