Stand for Children Arizona is excited to announce Republican Senator J.D. Mesnard and Democrat Representative Consuelo Hernandez have been named its 2025 Legislative Champions. Both Senator Mesnard and Representative Hernandez were selected because of their leadership on several key issues — 9th Grade On-Track, childcare subsidies, and a child tax credit—to help Arizona children build a brighter future.
Senator Mesnard played a key role in securing $3.4 million in funding to expand 9th Grade On-Track programs and including the program in state statute. Representative Hernandez was a co-sponsor of a bill to fund 9th Grade On-Track and the lead sponsor of a Child Tax Credit bill.
“We are honored to recognize both Senator Mesnard and Representative Hernandez with this award,” said Stand for Children Arizona Executive Director Rebecca Gau. “It was a pleasure to work with them to support our students and help Arizona’s children have a brighter future. We deeply appreciate J.D. Mesnard’s sound judgement, fairness, steadfast commitment to justice, and proven ability to build coalitions that put Arizona’s children first. Representative Hernandez proved that she is a champion for working families, willing to build coalitions and reach consensus to build a brighter future. We look forward to continuing to work with them to support Arizona’s future!”
