2nd Annual Chili-Cook-Off with Harry Mitchell and Terry Goddard!
May 2 (Sat): 4-7pm.  At the Home of David and Kathy Schwarz, 5901 E. Vernon, Scottsdale (map)

Who will Make zee Best Chili?
State Sen. Meg Burton Cahill?  State Rep. Ed Ableser?  State Rep. David Schapira?  Or a mysterious vegetarian with a killer carnivore recipe?

Ticket Prices: $25; $20 for Young Democrats; $10 for Kids.  Proceeds benefit D17 Democrats AND the Maricopa County Democrats, who are energized like never before to help turn AZ Blue.  To reserve a ticket, call 602-790-2156 or charge online at http://d17dems.org/donate.asp.

Directions: From Phoenix or N Scottsdale, the closest big intersection is 60th St and Thomas.  Vernon intersects with 60th St about a half-mile south of Thomas.  From Tempe, the closest big intersection is 64th St (aka Galvin Parkway) and McDowell.  Take 64th St to Oak, Oak to 60th, 60th to Vernon.

Next Trainings:
April 22 (Wed), 6-9pm @ Iguana Mack’s, 1371 N. Alma School, Chandler (map)
April 28 (Tues), 6-9pm @ MCDP Headquarters, 2914 N. Central, Phoenix (map)
For more info, contact Ken Chapman: kenchapman@maricopademocrat.com; 602-298-0503

Please contact Congressman Mitchell's office, tell him you support the Employee Free Choice Act and thank him for supporting it as well.

Harry's Arizona Office: 480-946-2411
Harry's D.C. Office: 202-225-2190

By Criag McDermott

Budget gridlock is beginning to break at the legislature where both the House Republicans and Democrats have both brought forth budget proposals.

The Republicans' budget further decimates the state's education system and public service safety net.  On the other hand, the Democratic proposal, as Rep. David Schapira writes, "restores education funding and protects vital services for Arizona's most vulnerable citizens." Both Schapira and Rep. Ed Ableser have been working long hours to help craft the proposal.  House Democrats have created a website (www.strongerarizona.com) detailing the impacts of budget cuts on Arizonans and have posted a 2010 budget proposal and "Roadmap for Arizona's Future."

Our state representatives have also been taking up the responsibility of combatting some of the more regressive parts of the Republicans' extreme social agenda, working to fend off attacks on a woman's right to choose, workers' rights to form a union, immigrants' rights, and more.

In the Senate, no bills will be heard until the budget is passed.  State Sen. Meg Burton Cahill has been working behind the scenes with the few remaining public servants in the Republican Caucus on possible revenue proposals to help mitigate ongoing Republican cuts to the state budget.

Rep. Ableser (http://twitter.com/RepAbleser) and Schapira (http://twitter.com/dschapira) are now providing updates via the social messaging website Twitter.

YDAZ Change for Change Club
The Young Democrats of Arizona are asking PCs around the state to step up and join Change for Change, the YDAz monthly contribution club. When you join Change for Change you contribute directly to the training and mentorship of young democratic activists around the state. As little as $10 or $20 a month supports young voters and activists as they gear up for the 2010 elections. As a thank you for joining, Change for Change members will get free entry to all YDAz events. Monthly donations of $20 or higher will be awarded a Change for Change member lapel pin, $50 or higher will be awarded 2 VIP tickets to the YDAZ annual dinner. For more info, and to join, visit the Young Democrats website or contact D17 Vice Chair Stan Williams at stanwilliams@ydaz.org.

Keep up to date with LD17 events by adding us to your Google Calendar.

April 4 (Sat.): PC+ Voter Registration Training. 1-3 p.m. at the MCDP office (2914 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85012). Familiarize yourself with rules and strategies for registering voters. Learn how to start a conversation about voter registration while not talking about campaigns. Gain knowledge and skills you need to run a successful canvas and ensure Democratic victory in 2010! For more info and to RSVP, contact Genevieve Vega: genmalia@yahoo.com

April 9 (Thurs.): Sustainainability Town Hall with Congressman Harry Mitchell. 2-3:30pm, SkySong, 1475 N Scottsdale Rd (map) (use McDowell Rd Entrance). "Green Jobs Today for A Strong Econmy Tomorrow." RSVP to adralyn.wendel@mail.house.gov; 480-946-2411

April 22 (Wed.): PC+ Training. 6-9pm, Iguana Mack's Restaurant, 1371 N Alma School, Chandler (map). For more info, contact Ken Chapman: kenchapman@maricopademocrat.com; 602-298-0503

April 28 (Tues.): PC+ Training. 6-9pm, MCDP Headquarters, 2914 N Central, Phoenix (map) For more info, contact Ken Chapman: kenchapman@maricopademocrat.com; 602-298-0503

April 30 (Thurs.): Arizona List Book Party. 5:30-7pm, at the home of Patricia Atlee. Meet the author of newly released book Winning Their Place: Arizona Women in Politics 1883-1950, Heidi Osselaer. Ticket prices: $15 for members, $25 for non-members. For more info or to RSVP, contact info@arizonalist.org; 520-327-0520

D17 Democrats Meetings and Events

April 14 (Tues.): D17 Happy Hour and Monthly Meeting. El Penasco Restaurant, SE Corner of Broadway and Mill (map). Happy Hour 6-7pm (D17 pays for limited appetizers!); Meeting 7-9pm. Join former Gore speechwriter, author, and political advisor Andrei Cherny. Hear updates from our legislators and a surprise guest. We meet the 2nd Tueday of the Month. May's meeting (May 12) will resume at our regular location at the North Tempe Community Center.

May 2 (Sat.): 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off. 4-7pm. Support D17 Democrats and the Maricopa County Democratic Party! Join special guests Attorney General Goddard and Congressman Harry Mitchell and vote for the best chili. Bring your own chili entry! At the Home of David and Kathy Schwarz, 5901 E Vernon, Scottsdale (map). Ticket prices: $25; $15 for Young Democrats; $10 for Kids. To reserve a ticket, call 602-790-2156 or charge online: http://d17dems.org/donate.asp