Stephanie Simacek for AZ State House

Stephanie is a mom, teacher, volunteer, and Deer Valley Unified School District governing board member

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Stephanie has been serving on the Deer Valley School Board since 2023.

<h2>Stephanie is a mom, teacher, volunteer, and Deer Valley Unified School District governing board member.</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/11daa403-1aa2-4653-a394-31d78e2abeee/c11ac244-17b1-4f63-931c-9cfa86c732db/baad8252-435e-4061-9420-1238912132f5.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=16&amp;sat=0&amp;high=-9&amp;shad=37&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=58%2C168%2C2547%2C3609&amp;w=1500" alt="Stephanie with her daughters" title="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" variant="framed"><h3>Stephanie’s journey began in Oregon, where she was educated by remarkable teachers who instilled in her a passion for learning and a commitment to giving back.</h3>After receiving her Bachelor's degree in Communication from Portland State University, she ventured into the professional world, seeking meaning and a way to contribute to her community.Stephanie remained in the city and began working in a law firm. She later moved back to her hometown to begin a career in project management for a web development company. Although she loved her work, she longed to have a profession that would provide meaning, one that would give back to the community, and one that helps others be successful.In 2014, her family was blessed with the opportunity to make Arizona home. She received her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University and began teaching for the Deer Valley Unified School District. It was when she entered the classroom that she indeed found her purpose.Working with 1st graders was rewarding and challenging, and it reaffirmed her belief in the power of education to transform lives. She saw firsthand the positive impact of diverse teaching methods, dedicated staff, and engaged parents.At the same time Stephanie was teaching, her youngest daughter was facing some challenges in her development. When it was time to renew her contract Stephanie, unfortunately, had to make the decision to leave the classroom full time. Stephanie continued teaching as a substitute which allowed her to meet her daughter's needs and still remain in the classroom. In 2022, Stephanie was elected to the Deer Valley Unified School District Governing Board and is proud to advocate for ALL students in Deer Valley.&nbsp;<h4>As a mother and a member of this community, Stephanie understands the challenges and aspirations of families in our district. She understands the importance of quality public education, our water and environmental challenges, the Phoenix housing crisis and reproductive freedom. These are not partisan issues; they are issues that affect us all, regardless of our political affiliation.</h4>

Our Campaign’s Top Issues

<h4>Our public schools have been in crisis mode for over a decade, and it's thanks to historic divestments in funding.</h4>Districts like Deer Valley, Washington, Glendale Union and Paradise Valley are losing teachers, students, and staff due to pay shortages, overcrowding of classrooms, and a lack of resources for all learner types. Public education in Arizona is simply underfunded. One of the reasons for the underfunding is the out-of-control growth of Arizona's ESA voucher program. The program is literally bankrupting our state because Arizona lacks a revenue surplus to cover ESA costs and we are facing a $400 million deficit. The ESA voucher program not only spells economic crisis for the state, but if not controlled, it will dismantle public education and the public schools that 92% of Arizona families choose. Stephanie wants to ensure that every voice is heard – teachers, parents, students, and staff alike. Stephanie sees that we have a responsibility as a community to come together, to make changes so our students and staff can flourish in their learning environments.&nbsp;Public education is one of the most critical investments we can make in our children. Universal ESA vouchers are primarily being used by families who had already chosen private schooling options and able to afford these options. These more affluent families in wealthier zip codes are concentrated in large, suburban areas, leaving low-income and rural communities behind. Every child deserves to thrive in their education regardless of their zip code.Stephanie believes that we must prioritize our children's future – and invest in real, long-term funding for Arizona’s public schools to ensure that our teachers have the resources they need to provide a top-notch education. She believes in expanding vocational training opportunities, empowering our young people to succeed in an ever-changing job market. Local businesses thrive when we have educated and capable people in our district. Together, we can equip our children with the tools they need to lead us into a prosperous future.

Our public schools have been in crisis mode for over a decade, and it's thanks to historic divestments in funding. Stephanie sees that we have a responsibility as a community to come together, to make changes so our students and staff can flourish in their learning environments.

Write a short blurb about an issue your campaign is highlighting. Try to keep the text a similar size between the various issue blurbs.

<h4>The housing crisis in Arizona is not just a statistic; it's a real problem that is impacting the lives of countless families. </h4>Whether you're a young professional trying to find your first home, a working-class family struggling to make rent, or a senior citizen on a fixed income, the rising cost of housing has become an unbearable burden for too many.One of the core issues contributing to this crisis is the lack of affordable housing options. In recent years, we have seen a sharp increase in housing prices and rents that have far outpaced wage growth. Many Arizonans are forced to spend a significant portion of their income on housing, leaving them with little room for savings, investments, or other essential needs.Stephanie knows our elected officials must tackle this housing crisis in the state legislature, by investing in Arizona’s Housing Trust Fund, expanding affordable housing options, and ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to secure a safe and stable home.

The housing crisis in Arizona is not just a statistic; it's a real problem that is impacting the lives of countless families. Whether you're a young professional trying to find your first home, a working-class family struggling to make rent, or a senior citizen on a fixed income, the rising cost of housing has become an unbearable burden for too many.

Housing

<h4>Arizona, often referred to as the desert state, has long grappled with water scarcity. Our rapidly growing population and changing climate patterns have exacerbated this issue.</h4>Our reliance on the Colorado River, which is already stretched to its limits, demands immediate attention and forward-thinking policies. Our elected leaders have delayed action on the water crisis for far too long. Foreign companies have been pumping water out of Arizona. We must protect the water we already have. As your representative, Stephanie pledges to champion a multi-pronged approach to address the water crisis.&nbsp;<ul><li>We must prioritize conservation. We cannot afford to be wasteful with this precious resource. By reducing our water usage, we can better ensure a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.</li><li>We must also invest in water infrastructure. Outdated systems lead to significant water losses through leaks and evaporation. I will work tirelessly to secure funding to upgrade and modernize our water infrastructure, ensuring that we capture and distribute water more efficiently.</li><li>We need to foster innovation. Arizona is home to some of the brightest minds in the world, and we should harness that talent to develop innovative water technologies and practices. Stephanie will advocate for research and development grants to support projects aimed at desalination, water recycling, and efficient irrigation techniques.</li></ul>Addressing the water crisis cannot be separated from our broader environmental responsibilities. Climate change is exacerbating drought conditions and impacting our ecosystems. As your representative, Stephanie will support measures to reduce our carbon footprint and transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources. This not only mitigates climate change but also reduces the strain on our water resources.The water crisis and environmental challenges we face are complex and interconnected. But together, Stephanie knows we can rise to meet these challenges. She is committed to working tirelessly for you, to ensure that our state remains a vibrant and sustainable place to live, work, and raise our families. By investing in conservation, infrastructure, innovation, and responsible environmental policies, Stephanie knows we can secure a brighter future for all of us.&nbsp;

Arizona, often referred to as the desert state, has long grappled with water scarcity. Our rapidly growing population and changing climate patterns have exacerbated this issue. Our reliance on the Colorado River, which is already stretched to its limits, demands immediate attention and forward-thinking policies.

Water and the Environment

<h4>Far-right Republicans have been waging war against reproductive freedom for decades all around the country and right here at home.</h4>Over the past few legislative sessions, Republicans in the Arizona state legislature have introduced countless pieces of legislation to restrict access to abortion. Now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned, their next steps are to ban access to birth control and in-vitro fertilization – necessary healthcare for so many Americans.We must respect each person's right to make the best choice for their unique circumstances. It means supporting policies that reduce the need for abortion by expanding access to contraception, healthcare, and education.Reproductive freedom is also about acknowledging the significant disparities in access to healthcare that exist in our state. Far too many Arizonans, especially those in marginalized communities, face barriers to accessing the reproductive healthcare they need. As your representative, Stephanie will work tirelessly to address these disparities and ensure that every person, regardless of their background or income, has equal access to reproductive healthcare services.Stephanie understands that this issue is deeply personal and often evokes strong emotions on both sides. However, it's essential that we approach it with empathy and a commitment to protecting individual rights and healthcare access. She is committed to fostering a respectful and open dialogue with all voices in our community.Stephanie’s support for reproductive freedom is unwavering. She will be a strong advocate for the rights and health of all Arizonans, and she will work tirelessly to protect and expand reproductive freedom in our great state. Together, we can ensure that every individual in Arizona can make their own reproductive healthcare decisions, free from interference, and with the respect and dignity they deserve.&nbsp;

Far-right Republicans have been waging war against reproductive freedom for decades all around the country and right here at home. Now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned, their next steps are to ban access to birth control and in-vitro fertilization – necessary healthcare for so many Americans.

Reproductive Freedom

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"Hello, I'm Stephanie. As a mother, teacher, and active member of our vibrant Arizona community, I've experienced firsthand the challenges and triumphs our families face. From the classrooms of Deer Valley to the dinner tables at home, I understand the importance of quality education, sustainable living, affordable housing, and safeguarding our rights. Together, we can make Arizona not just a place to live, but a place to thrive. Let's shape the future, side by side."

A teacher, a mother, your voice for Arizona.