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Photo of Lorena Austin

Lorena Austin

DEMOCRAT

Lorena Austin is running for Arizona State Representative, District 9.

Personal background

Lorena is from Mesa, AZ. They graduated from Mesa Community College and earned a degree from Arizona State University.

Professional background

Lorena has worked with Verizon's Innovative Learning Program and spent 10 years within the Maricopa County Community College District.

Political background

Lorena Austin is currently serving as a state representative in District 9. They were elected in 2022 and have served 1 term. During their tenure, they have been the Secretary of the Latino Caucus.

Economy

Supports fair wages, affordable housing, and the right to unionize, advocating for economic policies that benefit marginalized communities.

Supports safeguarding employees who raise concerns during public health emergencies.

As a state representative, sponsored House Bill (HB) 2775, which protects workers from discrimination and retaliation when they report workplace health or safety violations.

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Public Safety

As of September 17, 2024, Lorena Austin’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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Healthcare

Supports the legalization of abortion and access to contraception in Arizona.

Supports guaranteed paid family leave for workers.

As a state representative, sponsored HB 2841, which "stipulates that any insurance policy that includes prescription drug coverage must cover contraceptive drugs or devices approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration without imposing any cost-sharing requirements."

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Education

Believes Arizona must prioritize investment in public schools to address chronic underfunding and low teacher salaries.

Supports affordable higher education to ensure a qualified workforce and reduce student loan debt.

Opposes redirecting public funds to private schools, stating it exacerbates the crisis due to lack of accountability.

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Energy & the Environment

Believes securing access to clean water is the "climate justice fight of our lifetime" and opposes profit-driven agendas that jeopardize water reserves.

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Voting & Elections

Believes in enhancing privacy protections for election officers by restricting the disclosure of personal identifiers if it endangers safety.

Supports making it unlawful to handle or return ballots for others.

As a state representative, sponsored HB 2839, which updated voter and election officer instructions to ensure individuals can only handle or return their own ballots or those of family members, household members, or those they care for.

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