In response to political attacks questioning Kyrsten Sinema’s childhood experience of homelessness, today homelessness experts and Arizonans issued the following statements:

From David Lujan, former colleague in the Arizona State House: “I spoke to the reporters and told them about how Kyrsten is someone who is refreshingly focused on getting things done. Years ago when we worked together, she told me about the circumstances she experienced, including her time being homeless. There’s no doubt in my mind that’s why she will bridge any divide and take on any challenge so we can get things done for our neighbors – particularly those in need.”

Executive Director of Living United for Change in Arizona Tomas Robles on an “outdated” quote in the original report: “Surprised to see this outdated quote and in an article today. I know Kyrsten and I admire her for turning her childhood hardships into motivation to help others in our state. It’s not a crime to be poor and earn your way to success. At LUCHA, we are knocking on hundreds of thousands of doors to elect leaders like Kyrsten that will ensure that AZ and our country move in the right direction. Now let’s get her elected!”

Statement from Amy Schwabenlender, Executive Director of the Human Services Campus in Phoenix: “Any family living in the conditions Kyrsten was in would undoubtedly be considered homeless. Sadly, these are the kinds of situations we often deal with. There’s no one way someone experiences homelessness: it’s a complex condition characterized by instability, a lack of basic needs – and for many a deep fear of stigma and judgment. It’s wrong to reject anyone’s experience because it doesn’t match a stereotype.”

Statement from Ted Taylor, Executive Director of Family Promise of Greater Phoenix: “Family homelessness looks different than what most people think when they hear the word ‘homeless.’ They’re often living in cars, abandoned buildings or wherever they can. Kyrsten’s experience is, sadly, the kind of situation we often encounter.”

Statement from Jacki Taylor, CEO of Save the Family: “Working with homeless families, one of our central goals is to provide access to safe, permanent housing. A family that has to live in a building not meant to serve as a home is in unsafe and unstable conditions, and would be a part of the population we hope to serve. These are the circumstances Kyrsten experienced.”

Statement From Joan Serviss, Executive Director of the Arizona Housing Coalition: “There are many misconceptions about homelessness and one of the most pervasive is that it all looks the same. We know from our work that the way families experience homelessness is different and certainly living in a structure not meant for human habitation – like an old store or gas station – is one way.  Families living in situations like those Kyrsten did face different, but serious, challenges and they deserve support and help to end their homelessness.”

Statement from Barbara Duffield, Executive Director of SchoolHouse Connection: “A constant challenge to our work is the fundamental misunderstanding around homelessness. Shelters for families with children are not widely available and many are full. Families and individuals are often left to find their own means, as Kyrsten’s family did. Even the most restrictive federal definition of homelessness encompasses a gas station, which was never intended to be a home even if it has to be used as one. Kyrsten has been a critical voice on this issue and I believe it’s because she’s experienced these challenges not only as a professional in her social work, but also as a child.”

 

The Sinema campaign has also released statements from the following family members and friends confirming her experience:

From Andy & Marilyn Howard, Kyrsten’s Stepfather and Mother: “Kyrsten is right about this challenging time in our lives. After we married, we left Tucson with the anticipation of a job in Florida, which did not materialize. With no source of income, we lived in Andy’s parents’ closed country gas station without electricity, bathroom facilities or running water. With the assistance of family, friends and our church, we overcame the trials that we faced and moved into a farmhouse less than three years later. It upsets us that Kyrsten has fought to become successful, utilizing the skills she developed because of these challenges, only to have people question it now.”

From Sandy Wiley, Kyrsten’s Aunt: “I remember the gas station Kyrsten was in during this time in her life and, unfortunately, she’s right about the way she describes it. This was a very difficult, very painful time for our family. I am so proud of her: she never let this challenge hold her back. Instead, it drove her to help others who are struggling.”

From Paul Sheldon, Kyrsten’s Stepbrother: “After Kyrsten moved to Florida we saw them in the summer and over holidays. I knew it was tough for her back there. She’s never let what she went through stop her, and anyone who dismisses her experience doesn’t know the first thing about her.”

From Stefanie Bozeman West, Kyrsten’s childhood friend: “Kyrsten was one of my best friends growing up. We spent a lot of time together, both in school and out. We would often have sleepovers at my house and she joined my family in numerous activities. She and her family had kind and generous spirits, despite any struggles they encountered. I definitely remember Kyrsten having to shower at her grandparents because they had no running water. They were all very excited when they moved out of the gas station into their new home. Kyrsten has always been determined and motivated to succeed. Whatever she sets her mind to, she accomplishes with grace and dignity.”

Learn more about Kyrsten’s experience at KyrstenSinema.com/herlife. A Fact Sheet on Kyrsten’s childhood is available here.

ARA applauds Kyrsten’s strong record of fighting for Arizona’s seniors

The Alliance for Retired Americans today announced their endorsement of Kyrsten Sinema for U.S. Senate for her tireless efforts on behalf of Arizona’s seniors. Kyrsten knows that, after a lifetime of hard work, Arizonans deserve to retire with dignity. That’s why she fights to protect Medicare and Social Security and has stopped partisan efforts to raise the retirement age. Earlier this year, President Trump signed into law a bill that Kyrsten wrote to protect seniors’ hard-earned savings from financial fraud and abuse.

Kyrsten issued the following statement:

“Medicare and Social Security are benefits earned through a lifetime of hard work. I’ve opposed budget cuts to Social Security and stood up for Medicare, helping root out waste, fraud, and abuse to make it work better. Arizonans know that I’ll keep up the fight to protect these benefits for current seniors and future generations.”

“Kyrsten has been a tireless advocate for Arizona seniors and has been an indispensable ally in Congress. Unlike Congresswoman McSally, Kyrsten voted against raising the retirement age and fought to protect Medicare and Social Security for seniors today and in the future. Congresswoman McSally has voted to undermine Social Security, Medicare, and the retirement security that Arizonans count on. Kyrsten will fight to protect the benefits seniors have earned over a lifetime of hard work.”

– Doug Hart, President of the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans

Congresswoman McSally has consistently voted to undermine the Medicare and Social Security benefits that Arizonans count on. She has supported privatizing Social Security, raising the retirement age to make Arizonans work longer, and turning Medicare into a voucher system in a bid to change Medicare as we know it.

 

Kyrsten Sinema announced today that she has accepted two general election debates on October 15 and 16. Kyrsten invited Congresswoman Martha McSally to join her at these forums to discuss the issues important to Arizonans, such as the rising cost of health care. Last month, Kyrsten wrote to Congresswoman McSally, inviting her to a series of public debates.

Today Kyrsten issued this statement:

“There are real differences in this election and it’s time for voters to judge for themselves which approach is best. It’s time to debate. These debates should focus on the issues Arizonans care about most, not petty attacks and political distractions. I’ve asked each of the hosts to focus on the issues that matter to Arizona families, like making sure we can access affordable, quality health care. I look forward to meeting Congresswoman McSally on the debate stage.”

Kyrsten has accepted the following public, televised debates:

• Monday, October 15 in Phoenix. Hosted by Arizona PBS and The Arizona Republic.

• Tuesday, October 16 in Tucson. Hosted by Arizona Public Media.

 

Sinema for Arizona today announced the launch of Health Care Voters for Sinema, a group of Arizona patients, doctors, providers, and patient advocates standing with Kyrsten in her campaign for the U.S. Senate. Health Care Voters for Sinema know Kyrsten can be trusted to work across the aisle to bring down Arizonans’ health care costs, protect their coverage, and fix our broken health care system.

When Kyrsten was growing up, her family struggled to make ends meet. For a time, they didn’t have health insurance. She knows firsthand that no child should go without a doctor and that no family should go bankrupt because of medical bills.

“Everywhere I go in our state, I hear the same thing: health care is too expensive and the benefits aren’t enough,” said Kyrsten.

“My own family struggled to get health care when I was growing up, so I know firsthand how difficult this is for Arizona families. That’s why I’m laser-focused on protecting what’s working for Arizonans–like making sure patients with pre-existing conditions can get the care they need– and also fixing what’s broken. I’m proud Arizonans are standing with me and I’m going to keep fighting for the affordable, quality coverage they need.”

Kyrsten has a record of working across the aisle to fix what’s broken and keep what’s working when it comes to health care, including:

• Helping pass legislation to delay the health insurance tax, and working across the aisle to fight for its full repeal in order to save money for Arizona businesses and families;
• Relieving pressure on small businesses by allowing businesses with up to 100 employees keep their health care plans and lower costs; and
• Working across the aisle to pass a bill to permanently repeal the medical device tax.

Kyrsten will continue working to fix our broken health care system so more Arizonans can afford quality care. She will prioritize:

• Ensuring access to affordable coverage for the 2.8 million Arizonans with pre-existing conditions;
• Protecting Medicare and Arizona’s Medicaid expansion, called AHCCCS;
• Opposing an “age tax” that would allow Arizonans over 50 to be charged up to five times more for coverage; and
• Bringing down health care costs across the board for Arizona families and businesses.

Hear from the co-chairs of Health Care Voters for Sinema:

“I’m a brain aneurysm survivor. I depend on affordable coverage, so it’s absolutely critical to my life and to my family that our leaders are fighting for those of us with pre-existing conditions. Rep. McSally voted to eliminate protections for people like me who have pre-existing conditions, and that scares me. As our Congresswoman, Kyrsten stood up for my family and I know she will continue to look out for us in the U.S. Senate.”

– Lisa Blackhorse, Patient Co-Chair

“Kyrsten has always stood up for Arizonans, particularly those with pre-existing conditions. When others were voting to take away protections for those of us who have pre-existing conditions, Kyrsten stood with us. When others were voting to let insurance companies charge Arizonans over the age of 50 five times more for coverage, Kyrsten stood with us. When others were failing to protect KidsCare, Kyrsten stood with us. She has consistently fought for all Arizonans and our access to affordable and high-quality health care. That’s why we are standing with her.”

– Judy Keagy, Advocate Co-Chair

“Kyrsten understands the complex problems with our health care system and knows what it takes to fix them. In Congress, she has worked to bring people together and solve problems. She has spent years listening to Arizonans and taking action. Kyrsten is the Senator Arizonans will be able to count on to protect their care, bring down costs, and expand access.”

– Dr. Julie Kwatra, Provider Co-Chair

 

Learn more about Kyrsten’s health care priorities here.

Sinema for Arizona today announced the launch of Veterans for Sinema, a growing coalition of 30 Arizona veterans standing with Kyrsten in her campaign to serve Arizonans in the U.S. Senate. Veterans for Sinema will support Kyrsten’s campaign with outreach to veterans across the state, helping more Arizonans learn about Kyrsten’s proven record of fighting to make sure our veterans get the high-quality care and support they deserve.

Kyrsten comes from a military family, so standing up for our veterans is personal for her. Her older brother, a co-chair of Veterans for Sinema, is a Marine. Her younger brother is on active duty in the Navy. Kyrsten’s record of fighting to make sure veterans get the care and support they deserve includes passing laws to:

• Improve veterans’ ability to access care in their communities;
• Promote accountability and transparency at the VA;
• Speed up veterans’ access to health care;
• Help veterans complete apprenticeships and job training;
• Strengthen accountability for veterans’ crisis lines at the VA; and
• Improve veterans’ access to appropriate mental health care.

Kyrsten demanded accountability from VA leaders in light of the Phoenix VA scandal, which exposed catastrophic wait times. She went to work passing critical reforms to strengthen VA oversight and management to improve care for Arizona veterans.

“Fulfilling our commitment to Arizona veterans has always been my highest priority, so I’m honored to have the support of Veterans for Sinema,” said Sinema. “I’ll never stop fighting to improve veterans’ health care, ensure veterans have access to quality education and good-paying jobs, and bring accountability and transparency to the VA.”

In 2013, Kyrsten launched her Veterans Advisory Council, a group she has relied on throughout her time in Congress. The Council advises Kyrsten on veterans’ issues, helps her office connect veterans with care and community services, and provides feedback on legislation.

Kyrsten has been recognized for her work to get veterans the care and support they deserve. She was named a Collaborative Community Champion by the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Arizona Council of Vietnam Veterans in 2016. She received the 2016 Arizona Vets Hall of Fame Copper Star Award. In 2018, Kyrsten received the 2018 Arthur T. Marix Congressional Leadership Award from the Military Officers Association of America.

Hear from the co-chairs of Veterans for Sinema:

“There’s only one woman in this race who has veterans’ backs, day in and day out. That’s my little sister Kyrsten. We’re launching Veterans for Sinema to spread the word. Come November, every Arizona veteran will know they can count on Kyrsten to fight for them. It’s easy to see why so many veterans are on Team Sinema.”

– Paul Sheldon, Southern Arizona Co-Chair

“Any veteran who’s worked with Kyrsten will tell you she gets stuff done. When we learned about the crisis at the Phoenix VA, she was there with her sleeves rolled up, ready to get to work. And she works day in and day out to ensure every Arizona veteran receives the care he or she needs. No matter the challenge, Kyrsten will solve the problem. ”

– Vic Peterson, Central Arizona Co-Chair

“Integrity is one of the Army’s core values. I’m leading Veterans for Sinema because Kyrsten’s integrity is beyond question. When it comes to issues important to veterans, you know exactly where she stands.”

– Jake Goehl, Northern Arizona Co-Chair

Co-chairs of Veterans for Sinema:

Paul Sheldon, U.S. Marine Corps, Southern Arizona Co-chair
Vic Peterson, U.S. Air Force, Central Arizona Co-chair
Jake Goehl, U.S. Army, Northern Arizona Co-chair

Members of Veterans for Sinema:

Co-Chair Vic Peterson, Buckeye, U.S. Air Force
Co-Chair Paul Sheldon, Tucson, U.S. Marine Corps
Co-Chair Jake Goehl, Flagstaff, U.S. Army

Doug Allsworth, Phoenix, U.S. Marine Corps
Rep. Richard Andrade, Glendale, U.S. Air Force
Terry Araman, Phoenix, U.S. Army
Rita Brock-Perini, U.S. Air Force
Bryan Bouchard, Scottsdale, U.S. Air Force
Matt Capalby, Flagstaff, U.S. Coast Guard
Mark Cardenas, Phoenix, U.S. Army
Tom Coldwell, Scottsdale, U.S. Army
Gene Crego, Mesa, U.S. Marine Corps
Jeannine Dahl, Phoenix, U.S. Army
Tom Dickinson, Phoenix, U.S. Navy
Stevie Mae Douglas, Mesa, U.S. Army
Congressman Ruben Gallego, Phoenix, U.S. Marine Corps
Donna Gratehouse, Phoenix, U.S. Navy
Caleb Hayter, Phoenix, U.S. Army
Leo Hintz, Laveen, U.S. Air Force
Brett Hunt, Phoenix, U.S. Army
Jonathan Larkin, Phoenix, U.S. Marine Corps
Alexander Lofgren, Phoenix, U.S. Army
David Lucier, Tempe, U.S. Army
David Mcintyre, Oro Valley, U.S. Marine Corps
Serenity Eve Sells, U.S. Army
Tad Snidecor, Peoria, U.S. Marine Corps
Darryl Tattrie, Phoenix, U.S. Marine Corps
Rich Tattrie, Phoenix, U.S. Marine Corps
Jeff Weber, Phoenix, U.S. Army
Steve Weintraub, Phoenix, Marine Corps

###

FOR RELEASE: August 31, 2018

CONTACT: [email protected]