Tucson Progressive

Pamela J. Powers, a progressive voice for Arizona

New York Times Editorial Board Nods Toward #Marijuana Legalization

It’s been a big week for marijuana legalization in the Americas– with a Mexican court allowing limited cannabis growing rights, new Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing he intends to … Continue reading

November 7, 2015

Smoke ‘Em, If You Got ‘Em: Bernie Sanders Introduces Marijuana Legalization in US Senate

In the recent Democratic Party debate, Vermont Senator and Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders said he favored marijuana legalization, a stance that he had been hinting at for a while. Sanders … Continue reading

November 5, 2015 · 1 Comment

Over-Policing of Marijuana Possession by Maricopa County Attorney & ASU

The case of Andre Maestas, a student at Arizona State University and a medical marijuana card holder, is a prime example of what’s wrong with Arizona’s drug enforcement policies and … Continue reading

September 26, 2015

#1 Reason to Legalize Pot Is Humanitarian, Not Economic (video)

During the 2014 election season LD9 Rep. Ethan Orr caused a minor media stir when the Freshman Republican said he would“push” for marijuana legalization if re-elected to the Arizona Legislature … Continue reading

August 23, 2015 · 3 Comments

Prop 122 Passed: I Declare the Controlled Substances Act as Unconstitutional

Prop 122– the misguided nullification of federal law ballot initiative– has passed and will now become law. Liberals bemoaned this initiative before the elections, but we lost. Rather than cry … Continue reading

November 19, 2014

‘Marijuana Refugees’ Move to Colorado for Cannabis Oil to Treat Epilepsy

When I first heard Democracy Now’s headline about “marijuana refugees” moving to Colorado, I, of course, thought of stoners who want to freely buy weed from a retail outlet, but the riveting … Continue reading

May 10, 2014 · 10 Comments

Arizona Democratic Party Shows Its Progressive Side at State Committee Meeting

Progressive voices were heard loud and clear at Saturday’s Arizona Democratic Party (ADP) State Committee Meeting in Maricopa, Arizona. Unlike some past ADP meetings where progressives were ignored or where … Continue reading

November 18, 2013 · 1 Comment

Follow Me on Twitter

Follow Tucson Progressive on WordPress.com

About

The Tucson Progressive: Pamela J. Powers

I stand on the side of Love. I believe in kindness to all creatures on Earth and the inherent self-worth of all individuals–not just people who agree with me or look like me.

Widespread economic and social injustice prompted me to become a candidate for the Arizona House, representing Legislative District 9 in the 2016 election.

My platform focused on economic reforms to grow Arizona’s economy, establish a state-based public bank, fix our infrastructure, fully fund public education, grow local small businesses and community banks, and put people back to work at good-paying jobs.

In the Arizona House, I was a strong voice for fiscal responsibility a moratorium on corporate tax breaks until the schools were fully funded, increased cash assistance to the poor, expansion of maternal healthcare benefits, equal rights, choice, unions, education at all levels and protecting our water supply.

After three terms, I retired from the Arizona Legislature in January 2023 but will continue to blog and produce my podcast “A View from the Left Side.”