STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – Senator Barbara McGuire released the following statement on being appointed to the newly-formed Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Indian Affairs. She was appointed to the committee by Senate President Andy Biggs along with four tribal leaders and five Senate colleagues who have tribal communities in their districts. Sen. McGuire represents the Gila River Indian Community.
The new committee is tasked with creating and improving communication, collaboration and trust between Arizona’s 22 tribal communities, state and local governments, and stakeholders. For this year, the committee will focus on tribal education, natural resources and gaming.
"It’s crucial that legislators represent tribal communities in their districts with a strong voice that is knowledgeable and understanding of their needs," said Sen. McGuire.
A former two-term state representative, Senator McGuire is serving her second term in the Senate and second term as Rural Liaison in Senate Democratic Caucus leadership. She is a mother of two, a grandmother and has been married to her husband Jim for 44 years. She is a Salvation Army Director, a former business owner, a chamber of commerce executive and a Citizen of the Year among other achievements. Senator McGuire serves on the Senate’s Natural Resources, Rural Affairs & Environment, and Public Safety, Military & Technology committees.
The district encompasses: the Copper Corridor of Globe-Miami, Hayden, Kearny, Superior, San Manuel, Winkelman, Dudleyville, Mammoth and Oracle; the Sun Corridor of Casa Grande, Coolidge, Eloy and Florence; and The Gila River Tribal Communities. In total, there are about 250,000 residents in the district with its largest populated area being the San Tan Valley, representing one third of the district.