🔥 "They're My Enemy?": AZ Rep. Gutierrez Exposes Republican Lawmaker's Attack on Teachers
TUSD teacher-turned-legislator reveals shocking anti-education bias in state legislature
Based on the Buckmaster Show for 3/27/25, a daily radio show in Tucson, AZ, interviewing local newsmakers.
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
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🎙️🌵 The Buckmaster Show recently featured two education leaders discussing problems in Arizona schools. They explained how some politicians are making it harder for public schools to get the money they need 💰📉, while giving more money to private schools 🏫💸. Representative Gutierrez talked about how politicians blocked money for school lunches 🍲🚫 and help for disabled people ♿🛑. Dr. Trujillo from Tucson schools explained they need to cut $8.6 million from their budget, which means fewer teachers 👩🏫👨🏫➖. Both speakers said they're worried 😟 about how these changes will affect students, especially those who need extra help with learning 🧑🎓📚.
🗝️ Takeaways
🏛️ Republican leadership in Arizona is blocking critical education and disability funding bills despite bipartisan support from rank-and-file lawmakers
👩🏫 Rep. Nancy Gutierrez voluntarily gave up her teaching position to save junior teachers' jobs amid TUSD enrollment declines
💰 TUSD faces $8.6 million in operational cuts plus $3 million in desegregation budget reductions while voucher programs expand
🔄 Republicans consistently reject accountability measures for private school vouchers including income caps and background checks
🏥 Proposed legislation would force hospitals to check immigration status, turning healthcare workers into immigration agents
🧠 Republican lawmaker explicitly told Rep. Gutierrez "You're a teacher? Then you're my enemy" on her first day in legislature
📊 TUSD enrollment declines driven by aging demographics, housing costs, charter schools, and expanding voucher programs
Public Education Under Siege: AZ Rep. Gutierrez and TUSD's Trujillo Expose the Republican War on Schools
In the latest episode of the Buckmaster Show aired on March 27, 2025, host Bill Buckmaster brought together two educational warriors fighting on the frontlines of Arizona's increasingly hostile terrain for public education.
State Representative Nancy Gutierrez (D-District 18) and Tucson Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Gabriel Trujillo delivered a sobering assessment of the coordinated, multi-pronged attack on public education that continues to intensify under Republican leadership.
The Legislative Battlefield: Rep. Nancy Gutierrez Speaks Truth to Power
Representative Gutierrez, herself a casualty of education cuts who selflessly sacrificed her own teaching position at Tucson High School, painted a stark picture of the legislative reality in Phoenix. As Assistant Minority Leader for the Democratic caucus, she experiences firsthand the systematic silencing of progressive voices in a chamber dominated by increasingly extreme Republican ideology.
"It's been kind of status quo with the way things have been going for the past three years," Gutierrez explained with remarkable restraint. "Very partisan politics, really disappointing that our voices are stifled by the Republicans in control."
Ah yes, the great Republican tradition of "stifling voices" while simultaneously crying about free speech and cancel culture. The irony would be delicious if it weren't so destructive.
The hypocrisy becomes even more apparent when examining specific legislation. Gutierrez's bill (HB 2213) to provide free reduced lunches for students—a practice Arizona has maintained since COVID—sailed through the Education Committee with minimal resistance, passed through appropriations with only two "no" votes, and cleared Committee of the Whole and Rules Committee. By all measures, it had broad bipartisan support.
Yet Republican leadership killed it anyway.
"I had a majority of the majority, so meaning 18 yes votes from the Republicans," Gutierrez revealed, barely containing her frustration. "And yet the leadership held my bill for no reason until they were sure they could change people's minds and to not vote on it."
Imagine being so committed to your ideology that you'd rather see children go hungry than allow a Democrat to pass a beneficial bill. This isn't governance; it's spite dressed up as politics.
Even more disturbing is the Republican treatment of Arizona's most vulnerable citizens. The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) program desperately needs a $100 million supplement to continue services for children and adults requiring institutional-level care. Despite this program actually saving the state money by keeping people in home care rather than institutions, Republicans have held the funding hostage.
"It is sick what they are doing to this community," Gutierrez declared, her voice rising with justified indignation. "These are children and adults who require institutional level care... And the Republicans just want to bash Governor Katie Hobbs... they just are keeping this hostage."
The Democratic caucus tried to highlight these families' plight by having each of their 27 members introduce different families and tell their stories during opening remarks. The Republican response? Anger—not at the suffering, but at having to hear about it.
"They got so angry at us," Gutierrez noted with disbelief. "But it was powerful because these are Arizona, these are tax-paying Arizona families that need this money. And the Republicans are holding it hostage. And I'm just appalled by their behavior."
When Buckmaster asked the obvious question—"Why are we attacking now disabled people?"—Gutierrez's answer was devastatingly simple: "They care about their power more than they care about actually helping constituents."
The cruelty isn't a bug; it's the feature. Making vulnerable people suffer to score political points isn't just bad governance—it's morally bankrupt.
The legislative assault doesn't stop there. SB 1268, sponsored by notorious Freedom Caucus member Wendy Rogers, would require hospitals to check immigration status for medical care, effectively transforming healthcare workers into immigration agents during an existing healthcare staffing crisis.
"Not only do we have a healthcare crisis as it is right now with not enough medical workers, now we're going to make medical workers immigration agents," Gutierrez observed, highlighting the absurdity of the proposal.
The pattern extends to educational vouchers, with Republicans refusing to even hear bills that would impose reasonable accountability measures like income caps, reporting requirements, or fingerprint clearance cards for private schools receiving public funds.
In the Trenches: Dr. Gabriel Trujillo Navigates the Battlefield
When the conversation shifted to Dr. Trujillo, the superintendent first paid heartfelt tribute to the recently deceased Congressman Raúl Grijalva, highlighting his foundational role in TUSD governance decades before his ascent to federal office.
"He was ours before he ever became a US congressman, before he ever became Pima board of supervisor," Trujillo said with evident emotion. "He cast some of the most influential and foundational votes in TUSD history that really shaped the district we have today."
The superintendent detailed Grijalva's visionary leadership—establishing University High School as its own school, creating Rincon University High School, and remarkably, advocating in the mid-1970s for Hauenstein High School to become the first solar-powered high school in Arizona dedicated to students with disabilities.
"Even back in the mid-70s, his vision of a more sustainable world, right, and using sun and solar power, you could see it," Trujillo reflected, highlighting Grijalva's environmental foresight decades before it became mainstream.
While today's Republicans label clean energy as "woke," Grijalva was already implementing solar solutions in the 1970s. Almost as if progressive policy has always been ahead of its time while conservative thinking remains deliberately behind it.
Trujillo praised Representative Gutierrez's selfless decision to voluntarily relinquish her teaching position rather than forcing out less-senior teachers during enrollment-based cutbacks at Tucson High.
"Representative Gutierrez did one of the most selfless acts of courage I have seen, running the school district. And probably one of the only instances where I've seen a tenured teacher voluntarily give up her spot," Trujillo said. "She selflessly raised her hand and said, you know, I don't want to take the spot of one of these younger teachers newer to the profession, just getting their start in the profession here at Tucson High."
Notice how educators consistently demonstrate the values they teach—sacrifice, community, lifting others up—while their Republican critics embody only self-interest and dismantling of public goods. Who are the real role models for our children?
On the subject of anti-education bias in the legislature, Trujillo shared a disturbing assessment based on his 28 years in education: "This is the first time I've actually seen the outright demonization of public schools and public school educators and the perception in some circles of this legislature that unfortunately have power to make decisions about funding view us as nothing more than a tax burden, quote unquote, government schools and indoctrination centers that wake up every single day with the sole goal of undercutting the authority of our parents."
Gutierrez reinforced this point with a chilling anecdote from her first day in the legislature, when a Republican lawmaker told her, "Oh, you're a teacher? Then you're my enemy."
Imagine declaring war on the very people dedicated to educating the next generation. What vision of society embraces ignorance as a virtue and education as the enemy?
The financial reality for TUSD remains grim, with $8.6 million in cuts needed for the upcoming school year, plus another $3 million from the desegregation budget. While voter-protected bond dollars for infrastructure improvements are proceeding as planned—with 60 schools soon to receive new HVAC systems and security upgrades—the operational budget faces severe constraints.
Trujillo explained the complex factors driving enrollment declines: changing demographics in an aging county, housing costs pushing out younger families, the proliferation of charter and private schools "cherry picking the cream of the crop," and the expanding voucher program.
When asked about addressing educational inequality—helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve academic success—Trujillo outlined what research shows works: longer school years, extended school days, and specialized interventionists for reading, writing, and math. However, he noted pointedly, "That bill takes a lot of green. It takes a lot of money to do that."
Funny how there's always money for tax cuts, vouchers, and corporate subsidies, but when it comes to proven strategies to help struggling students? Suddenly the coffers are empty. Almost as if social mobility isn't actually the goal.
The Trump Effect: Federal Chaos Trickles Down
Beyond state-level attacks, the show highlighted how the chaotic Trump administration is threatening university research funding, potentially costing the University of Arizona hundreds of millions in grants.
"I think the Trump administration just wants to sow chaos," Gutierrez observed. "I don't think that any of these executive orders are really about making our country better. They are only about creating chaos and creating a dictatorship."
She pointed to recent events, including the scandal involving sharing top-secret documents with the press, as evidence of incompetence and danger at the highest levels of government.
Remember when conservatives pretended to care about national security and document handling? Apparently that only applies when they can weaponize it against their opponents.
The interview also touched on other troubling developments: Social Security phone lines being cut (forcing elderly Americans to stand in lengthy lines), ICE conducting raids at churches and hospitals, and rising prices contradicting Trump's campaign promises.
"This isn't about government efficiency," Gutierrez concluded about these policies. "This is about not serving the American people and calling it efficiency. I don't think this is what people wanted when they voted."
The Coordinated Assault on Public Education
What emerges from these conversations is a clear picture of the coordinated assault on public education from multiple angles:
Financial Strangulation: Reduced funding forcing layoffs while simultaneously expanding private school vouchers
Legislative Hostility: Bills beneficial to students and vulnerable populations held hostage for political gain
Demographic Engineering: Housing policies and voucher systems designed to concentrate privilege
Ideological Warfare: Treating educators as "enemies" and schools as "indoctrination centers"
Federal Destabilization: The Trump administration's chaos threatens university research funding
It's no coincidence that voucher programs continue to expand without accountability as public schools struggle with enrollment declines and budget cuts. The strategy appears transparent: defund, demonize, and ultimately dismantle public education in favor of privatized alternatives accessible primarily to the privileged.
This isn't reform—it's redistribution of opportunity upward. The same people claiming to fight "socialism" are systematically socializing costs while privatizing benefits.
Resistance and Hope: Education Warriors Fight On
Despite these formidable challenges, both Gutierrez and Trujillo demonstrated the resilience that defines educational advocates. Gutierrez continues fighting for student nutrition and disability services, vowing to incorporate her lunch program into budget negotiations. Trujillo pursues infrastructure improvements while shielding classrooms from the brunt of necessary cuts.
As Dr. Trujillo noted in his discussion with Senator Messnard, there are occasional glimpses of potential bipartisan agreement around education funding, particularly for special education, suggesting that even in this hostile environment, strategic victories remain possible.
The very act of these educators continuing to fight—Gutierrez sacrificing her own job security, Trujillo facing down budget cuts with determination to protect classrooms—reminds us that the spirit of public service remains alive and powerful in our educational system.
Getting Involved: Turning Outrage into Action
If this assault on public education and vulnerable communities outrages you (as it should), here are ways to channel that energy:
Contact your representatives: Especially if you're in a Republican-represented district, make your voice heard about education funding and voucher accountability.
Attend school board meetings: Public education decisions happen at all levels, and your presence matters.
Support teacher unions and education advocacy groups: Organizations like the Arizona Education Association and Save Our Schools Arizona need volunteers and donations.
Vote in EVERY election: School boards, legislative races, and gubernatorial contests all impact education policy.
Amplify these stories: Share the struggles of disabled families, teachers losing jobs, and students losing opportunities—personal stories change hearts and minds.
The corporate capitalist machine may be grinding forward in its attempt to commodify our children's education, but historical progress has never been linear. Every great social advance—from public education itself to civil rights to labor protections—faced fierce resistance before victory. Today's educational warriors stand in that proud tradition of fighting for a more just and equitable society.
What do you think is the most effective way to counter the Republican narrative about "government schools" and "indoctrination"? How can we better communicate the value of public education to those who have bought into these harmful myths?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and join the conversation about defending one of our most crucial democratic institutions.
Quotes:
"Oh, you're a teacher? Then you're my enemy." — Republican lawmaker to Rep. Nancy Gutierrez on her first day in the legislature, demonstrating open hostility toward educators
"It is sick what they are doing to this community... they just are keeping this [disability funding] hostage." — Rep. Gutierrez on Republicans blocking $100 million in critical funding for developmentally disabled Arizonans
"This is the first time I've actually seen the outright demonization of public schools and public school educators... view us as nothing more than a tax burden, quote unquote, government schools and indoctrination centers." — Dr. Gabriel Trujillo describing current legislative attitudes toward education
"I think the Trump administration is just wanting to sow chaos. I don't think that any of these executive orders are really about making our country better. They are only about creating chaos and creating a dictatorship." — Rep. Gutierrez on federal impact on research funding and social services
"We saw a bill yesterday on the floor that would make hospitals check immigration status of anyone who's in for medical care... not only do we have a healthcare crisis as it is right now with not enough medical workers, now we're going to make medical workers immigration agents." — Rep. Gutierrez on SB 1268
People Mentioned:
Nancy Gutierrez — Democratic State Representative for District 18, Assistant Minority Leader, and TUSD teacher who voluntarily gave up her teaching position to save junior teachers' jobs. "I do not have a teaching job to go back to in August, because Tucson is having to lay off teachers."
Dr. Gabriel Trujillo — Superintendent of Tucson Unified School District, fighting $11.6 million in budget cuts. "We are in a season where we have to cut eight point six million dollars because we have eight point six million fewer dollars for twenty five twenty six than we had for twenty four twenty five."
Raúl Grijalva — Recently deceased Congressman who previously served on TUSD school board. Dr. Trujillo: "He established Hauenstein, old Hauenstein High School as the first solar-powered high school in the state of Arizona and the first high school that was fully dedicated to students with disabilities."
Wendy Rogers — Republican State Senator sponsoring SB 1268 requiring hospitals to check immigration status. Rep. Gutierrez identified her as a Freedom Caucus member pushing extreme legislation.
Katie Hobbs — Democratic Governor of Arizona. Rep. Gutierrez: "The Republicans just want to bash Governor Katie Hobbs about her, you know, they want it to be her fault that we need this extra money [for disability services]."
Donald Trump — U.S. President whose administration threatens university research funding and cuts Social Security phone services. Rep. Gutierrez: "The Trump administration just wants to sow chaos."
Adelita Grijalva — Daughter of Raúl Grijalva and friend of Dr. Trujillo. "It was very difficult to see Adelita struggle to put the words together. I see my friend losing her father."
Senator Messnard — Republican legislator Dr. Trujillo described as "the most insightful, the most knowledgeable on the issues... actually trying to reach across the aisle" on education funding issues.
Vince Leach — Republican State Senator scheduled to appear on the next Buckmaster Show episode.
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Ah! I FINALLY understand "trickle down": << The Trump Effect: Federal Chaos Trickles Down >>!
Yes, this is a concerted effort to deprive the "unwashed masses" access to education -- and, ultimately, even to such basics as food assistance, fuel assistance, et al. It is part of the MAGAt myth that the "elites" are the people with educations, people who read, people who can think abstractly, et al. (rather than the billionaires and multimillionaries, who truly are "elite"!). Trump & Co. are going after education immediately.