Co-chair Rebecca Timmer introduced Representative Teresa Martinez, an American politician and Republican Majority Whip for the Arizona House of Representatives, serving the 16th legislative district. She was initially appointed to the seat in 2021 after incumbent Representative Bret Roberts resigned from office. In 2022, she was elected for a full term. She serves on three committees including Rules, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Natural Resources, Energy and Water. Martinez was born and raised in Casa Grande, the heart of Pinal County. She is the oldest of 5 children and her dad was a miner at the San Manuel Mine. She has worked on the staff for Congressmen Rick Renzi and Paul Gosar, and Arizona Secretary of State Michelle Reagan. She was political director for the Arizona Republican Party. Before getting into politics, Teresa worked as long-term substitute teacher at her alma mater Casa Grande Union High School for several years and at the Frito Lay factory in Casa Grande.
Representative Martinez provided updates on her role in recent legislation:
• Serving as the “whip” is much like a hotel concierge trying to be helpful in connecting people with resources and point fellow legislators in the right direction, serves in supportive role
• Legislators are much more cordial across party lines than the media would have you believe
• Republicans are almost done with budget; next step meeting with the governor.
• Meeting every Wednesday with the upcoming issue tomorrow to discuss 1864 abortion ban
• Natural resources, energy and water committee is her newest committee role
Rebecca asked what was being discussed in transportation committee
• Representative Martinez indicated ADOT bill was most contentious in terms of the timing for review at 8 years, representatives want 6 and they will probably compromise on 7. The agency has been very responsive, and communication is on point.
• The I-10 work has started but a body was found and they are stalled while determining if cultural find. The bridge work should start in May.
Representative Martinez was asked about the status of budget negotiations. She indicated small group discussions were happening with democratic representatives, but negotiations with the broader legislature have not started.
She admits water issues are complicated and she’s learning. Striker bill on Queen Creek and Buckeye water bill got through and she is confident she can get it to the governor’s desk. Goal is to make sure Pinal County’s best interests are represented.
Heather Wilkey asked about the 347 and Rep. Martinez is confident the funding will stay in place. ADOT has been a great partner and they are moving forward. SR 24 is a different issue with the 84 million dedicated at risk. Senator Hoffman and Senator Peterson, along with Representative Neal Carter are advocating strongly but it will be a bigger challenge. Need to get creative on efficiency to deal with the deficit and it wouldn’t hurt to reach out to the lobbyist for League of Cities and Towns to further advocate for the funds.
Rep. Martinez believes her candor and 20 years of working in government gives her a unique perspective on how the agencies work and how she communicates with her constituents.
Rebecca mentioned the 50th anniversary of AAED conference this week and asked about economic development priorities. Rep. Martinez indicated her strength is working with agencies and she has started a group to focus on workforce development. How do we work with Lucid, Kohler, mining along with education leaders and introducing these opportunities at the middle school levels? She suggests a two prong approach with educators and the unemployment agency to coach and market to this group via social media. Throwing money at it without a proactive strategy is not the answer. Focus on where is the disconnect between job seekers and employers. If interested in helping, please contact Rep. Martinez.
Katy Proctor of Maricopa shared her appreciation to Rep. Martinez and her responsiveness and accessibility. Rebecca reiterated her appreciation.
The next PPGRC Meeting will be on May 21st. Our next Pinal Partnership Monthly Breakfast Meeting will be May 24th, more details will follow.
Visit https://pinalpartnership.com/meetings-and-events/ for more information.
