The Arizona Masonry Council recently hosted its Train the Trainer event during the AZCTE Conference, bringing together 20 high school and community college instructors for a day focused on hands-on masonry education, industry connection, and workforce development. The event began with hands-on training at Oldcastle Tucson, where instructors had the opportunity to engage directly with masonry materials, techniques, and practical instruction they can take back to their classrooms and training programs. The day continued with a presentation and lunch at Sundt Construction, creating space for conversation, collaboration, and stronger connections between educators and industry partners. One of the highlights of the event was seeing AMC’s Southern Arizona apprentices step into the role of trainers. These apprentices shared their skills and experience with the educators in attendance, offering a meaningful example of the apprenticeship pathway in action. Their involvement showed not only what students can learn through masonry training, but also how quickly they can become leaders and advocates for the trade. The event also created valuable networking opportunities among schools that already offer masonry training and those that are just getting started. Instructors were able to share ideas, ask questions, and better understand how masonry education can fit into their programs. Feedback from the event was once again strong, and momentum continues to build. AMC is already scheduled for its 2027 Train the Trainer event, continuing its commitment to supporting educators, strengthening career and technical education, and building the next generation of Arizona’s masonry workforce. Through programs like Train the Trainer, AMC is helping ensure that students across Arizona have greater access to hands-on construction education and a clearer pathway into the skilled trades.

AMC Annual Sponsor Spotlight Sun Valley Masonry’s story begins long before the company opened its doors in Arizona. Its roots trace back to the skilled trades of 1940s Illinois, where its founders learned the importance of craftsmanship, hard work, and integrity. That foundation traveled west, and Sun Valley Masonry was officially established in Phoenix in 1977. What began as a small operation quickly developed a reputation for reliable service and quality workmanship. The company completed its first commercial project just one year later and continued expanding its equipment, workforce, and capabilities to meet growing demand. Over the decades, Sun Valley Masonry opened a Tucson division, added concrete and insulation services, expanded into Oklahoma, and contributed to major projects that have helped shape communities throughout the Southwest. Today, the company remains focused on a straightforward commitment: deliver quality work and take good care of its customers. “Construction is not always easy, and every job comes with its own challenges, so being reliable and doing the work the right way matters.” While Sun Valley Masonry has earned a strong reputation through its projects, the company considers its people its greatest accomplishment. From the field to the office, its team members care about the work, support their customers, and take pride in getting the job done correctly. One project that represents an important turning point in the company’s history is the Borgata of Scottsdale. The high-profile development allowed Sun Valley Masonry to demonstrate its capabilities on a larger scale and helped establish the reputation that would lead to future opportunities. That legacy continues through a material that has stood the test of time. “Masonry has been around forever for a reason. It is strong, durable, and holds up well over time.” From ancient structures to today’s commercial developments, masonry continues to provide the strength, longevity, sustainability, and architectural character that owners and builders depend on. Sun Valley Masonry believes those qualities will keep the craft relevant as the construction industry continues to evolve. For those beginning a career in masonry or construction, the company’s advice is simple: find a good mentor, ask questions, show up on time, work hard, and take pride in what you do. Experience matters in the trades, but so does the willingness to keep learning. For Sun Valley Masonry, that combination has helped build nearly five decades of growth, opportunity, and trusted work.

End of Arizona’s 57th Legislative Session The 57th Arizona Legislature adjourned for the year early morning on Saturday, June 13th. Shortly thereafter, Governor Hobbs signed the $18.29B bipartisan state budget. Of the record 2000 plus bills introduced, less than 200 have been signed into law and 63 have been vetoed thus far. View the budget signed here https://azgovernor.gov/office-arizona-governor/news/2026/06/pool-footage-governor-katie-hobbs-signs-arizona-first-budget. Know Your Primary Election Dates June 22nd, last day to register to vote June 24th, mail‑in ballots are mailed (Active Early Voting List) and early voting begins July 21st, primary election day What to Expect on the November Ballot HCR 2048 military families; scholarship accounts Protects scholarship funds that are reserved for eligible children of military families pursuing higher education. Prohibiting the state from seizing scholarship account funds, transferring those funds to other state purposes, redirecting the money to unrelated programs, or using the funds to address budget shortfalls. Read HCR2048 HERE SCR 1032 instructional expenses; operational spending; enforcement Increases the proportion of school district spending that is directed toward classroom instruction and student learning activities. The measure is intended to ensure that a larger share of district operating budgets is spent on teachers, instructional staff, and other direct educational services rather than administrative or non-instructional functions. Read SCR1032 HERE HCR 2044 preferential treatment; discrimination; prohibited acts Expands Arizona's existing prohibition on preferential treatment and discrimination in public employment, public education, and public contracting. The measure is intended to reinforce a "colorblind" and race-neutral approach to government decision-making by restricting the use of race, ethnicity, and certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in state and local government operations. Read HCR2044 HERE HCR 2003 interscholastic; intramural athletics; biological sex Ask voters whether state law should require school athletic teams and certain athletic facilities to be organized according to an athlete's biological sex. Intended to preserve separate girls' and boys' athletic teams based on biological sex, protect what they view as fairness and competitive opportunities for female athletes, establish clear statewide rules for participation in school sports, require certain athletic facilities, such as locker rooms and showers, to be designated by sex. Read HCR2003 HERE HCR 2040 school districts; labor organizations; resources Prohibits school districts from using public money, equipment, facilities, communication systems, or employee work hours to support labor organizations or their activities. The measure would also prohibit school districts from deducting union dues from employee paychecks through district payroll systems and from providing district resources for union organizing, recruitment, or political activities. Read HCR2040 HERE HCR 2001 citizenship; identification; contributions; early voting Establishes statewide election requirements related to voter eligibility, voter identification, campaign contributions, and voting procedures. The measure would explicitly require that only United States citizens are eligible to register and vote in Arizona elections and would prohibit foreign individuals and foreign corporations from making contributions intended to influence Arizona candidate or ballot measure campaigns. Read HCR2001 HERE SCR 1004 photo enforcement systems; voter approval Changes how photo enforcement systems—such as speed cameras and red-light cameras—are used in Arizona. State agencies and local governments that use photo enforcement systems would be required to obtain voter approval to continue operating those systems. Existing jurisdictions with qualifying camera programs would need to place the issue before voters at the next general election. If voters reject the program, the photo enforcement system would have to be discontinued within 90 days. If voters approve it, the program could continue operating for ten years before requiring voter reauthorization. Read SCR1004 HERE HCR 2055 drug cartels; terrorist organizations Designates drug cartels as terrorist organizations under Arizona law and direct the Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDOHS) to address cartel-related threats using all authority available to the agency. The measure is intended to strengthen Arizona's response to drug trafficking, fentanyl distribution, human trafficking, and cartel-related violence by formally recognizing drug cartels as terrorist organizations at the state level. Read HCR2055 HERE SCR 1004 prohibit tax; monitoring; vehicle mileage Prohibits Arizona state and local governments from imposing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) taxes or fees and from monitoring or limiting an individual's vehicle mileage without that person's voluntary consent. The resolution is designed to prevent future implementation of mileage-based transportation taxes and government programs that track, restrict, or regulate the number of miles a person drives. Read SCR1004 HERE HCR 2021 food; municipal tax; exemption Restricts how cities and towns may impose transaction privilege taxes (sales taxes) on food. The measure is intended to limit or eliminate municipal taxes on groceries purchased for home consumption while preserving certain local taxing authority through voter approval requirements and rate limitations. Read HCR2021 HERE

AMC was proud to once again sponsor the SEAoA Conference, continuing our commitment to strengthening relationships within Arizona's structural engineering community. A special thank you to Jason Thompson and Lauren Kennedy, who presented to a packed room and helped showcase the value, performance, and possibilities of masonry design and construction. We also extend our appreciation to Paul Scott and Canan D'Avela for their support and participation throughout the event. Conferences like SEAoA provide important opportunities to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and keep masonry part of the conversation with the engineers helping shape Arizona's built environment. It was also great to reconnect with AMC member CTS Structural Engineering and spend time catching up with the Caruso Turley Scott team.

May was a strong month for workforce outreach as we wrapped up the school year and continued building connections with students across Arizona. AMC spent time with 20 students at West-MEC Southwest and visited EVIT just before the end of the year, reaching 60 students and continuing to introduce masonry as a real career path with long-term opportunity. We also traveled to Tucson for a practice day with Kate as she prepares for SkillsUSA Nationals. It is always exciting to see young talent working hard, representing Arizona, and showing what the next generation of masonry can look like. Our apprenticeship programs are also running smoother than ever, and as we look ahead, now is the time for members to start thinking about next year’s crop of apprentices. If your company is considering bringing on apprentices, this is a great time to begin the conversation. AMC is also asking members to contact Ryan if they have internship opportunities or entry-level summer positions available. These opportunities can make a real difference for students who are interested in the trades and ready to gain hands-on experience. Looking ahead, Ryan is also working toward becoming a First Aid / CPR trainer to provide additional training opportunities for AMC members. More information will be coming soon. For internship, entry-level job, or apprenticeship opportunities, please contact Ryan.

For JG Block Co, masonry is about more than completing a job. It is about quality, reliability, relationships, and showing up with the kind of workmanship that earns trust project after project. Owned by Justen Gibbs, JG Block Co has worked with general contractors and developers for years, building a strong reputation in the masonry industry through dependable service and a commitment to keeping projects moving. The company takes pride in managing work effectively, staying on schedule, and delivering results that reflect the standards of the trade. At the heart of JG Block Co is a focus on high-quality workmanship, jobsite safety, and customer satisfaction. From planning through completion, the team understands the importance of communication, coordination, and doing the work the right way. They are most proud of the reputation they have built by being a company people can count on. One of the company’s greatest accomplishments is the trust it has earned from repeat customers, general contractors, and industry partners. In construction, relationships matter. The ability to complete projects with consistency, professionalism, and care is what helps JG Block Co continue to grow and remain a valued part of the masonry community. From their perspective, masonry continues to play an important role in the built environment because it offers strength, durability, and long-term value. Masonry is a craft that leaves a lasting mark, creating structures that are not only functional, but built to stand the test of time. As Arizona continues to grow, skilled masonry contractors remain essential to building communities with quality and integrity. What people may not know about JG Block Co is how much they value the people behind thework. The company truly appreciates its team members, customers, and everyone who plays a role in helping the business grow and prosper. They believe in the value of in-person communication and taking the time to put a face to a name, not just an email address. JG Block Co is grateful for the continued business, relationships, and trust they have earned in the industry. Their work is a reflection of their commitment to masonry, their customers, and the people who help make each project possible. 2026 Excellence in Masonry Recipient

The House will be back for regular business after taking off 3 weeks. Four republicans are absent this week. The Senate will also be down a few republicans so they’re only doing COW calendars or bipartisan bills; we suspect that will happen in the House as well. Senate Majority Leader Kavanagh had suggested that a budget agreement may come as soon as this week. However, as of late last Friday, Senate President Petersen said there was still that 1 percent they had not yet agreed upon. The House is hopeful they will adjourn for the year by mid June— the Senate thinks it’ll be more like the end of June. One of the biggest points of disagreement between the legislature and the Governor is data centers. Governor Hobbs wants to scale back or eliminate existing tax breaks for data centers. The legislature wants to leave these tax incentives in place. Once the budget agreement is finalized and introduced, we should expect a whirlwind of activity to rush the completed budget up to the governor for her signature. At the same time, bills that are close to the finish line will also be heard on the floor and sent up to the ninth floor. If the past is precedent, I would expect session to end within a few days of the completion of the budget. During session, the governor has 5 days to sign or veto a bill. When session ends, the deadline is 10 days.

Excellence in Masonry Awards Recap On Friday, April 24, 2026, the Arizona Masonry Council hosted the annual Excellence in Masonry Awards at the Arizona Biltmore, bringing together more than 300 attendees for an evening filled with energy, excitement, and industry pride. The night celebrated the strength, beauty, and craftsmanship of masonry while honoring the teams, projects, and people who continue to raise the standard across Arizona’s built environment. From the project awards to the Bart Del Duca recognition, the evening served as a powerful reminder of the talent, dedication, and legacy within the masonry industry. A special thank you goes out to our MC, Jeanine Jerkovic, City of Surprise Economic Development Director, who brought the room to life with her humor, warmth, and genuine enthusiasm. We also want to thank our head juror, Laura, for helping share the story behind each winning project and highlighting the thoughtful details that made them stand out. The evening would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, volunteers, attendees, and industry partners. From the silent auction to the wine and whiskey grab, the reception, dinner, awards, and celebration, every piece came together because of the people who continue to show up for masonry. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and honorees. The 2026 Excellence in Masonry Awards was more than a celebration of completed projects — it was a celebration of the people, partnerships, and craftsmanship that continue to build Arizona with purpose. VIEW ALL THE AWARD RECIPIENTS HERE PROJECT PHOTOS PHOTOS OF THE NIGHT

On May 5, Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed a Republican-backed $17.9 billion state budget, calling it “unbalanced and reckless.” The proposal, passed along party-line votes by the Republican-controlled Arizona Legislature, reflected major GOP priorities on taxes and spending cuts but immediately triggered conflict with Hobbs. The Republican budget proposed spending roughly $800 million less than Hobbs’ own January budget plan. A central feature was conformity with federal tax changes passed under President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” In addition to the $1.4 billion in tax reductions listed below, conformity with federal tax law reduces the complexity of filing state and federal taxes. Without conformity the time and expense of preparing state tax returns would increase substantially. · Full or near-full conformity with the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — Arizona would adopt most federal income tax changes passed under President Donald Trump, reducing state revenues by an estimated $1.1–$1.45 billion over several years. · Expanded standard deduction — The package aligned Arizona with higher federal standard deductions, lowering taxable income for many filers. · Tax deductions for tipped income — Workers earning tips would be allowed to deduct qualifying tip income from Arizona taxes. · Tax deductions for overtime pay — Eligible overtime earnings would become deductible from state taxable income. · Additional senior deduction — Seniors age 65 and older would receive an additional $6,000 tax deduction. · Expanded child tax credit benefits — The proposal reflected federal changes increasing child tax credit amounts. · Business tax conformity provisions — Arizona businesses would receive state-level conformity with new federal business deductions and depreciation rules, benefiting corporations and some large investors. Critics said these provisions especially favored data centers and large companies. · Overall income-tax reduction package — Republican leaders said the combined package would return roughly $1.4 billion to taxpayers over four years through lower taxes and conformity changes. To close the budget shortfall the GOP proposal included broad spending reductions. Most state agencies would face 5% budget cuts, though agencies related to public safety, corrections, and child welfare were exempt. The plan also targeted several social programs. It proposed reductions to Medicaid and nutrition assistance programs, changes that opponents said could remove health coverage and food support from vulnerable residents. State employees would also see a 10% increase in health insurance premiums under the proposal. Republicans framed the changes as fiscal discipline, while Hobbs described them as balancing the budget “on the backs of working families.” Another major dispute involved education funding. The Republican budget did not renew Proposition 123, a voter-approved education funding measure that expired in 2025 and had provided hundreds of millions of dollars annually to schools. Hobbs had previously halted budget negotiations over Republicans’ refusal to include discussions about extending the program. The veto leaves Arizona without a finalized state budget as lawmakers continue negotiations ahead of the June 30 deadline. As has been the case in recent years, we are likely to walk right up the deadline before reaching an agreement. Brian Tassinari

AMC apprenticeship instructor Jacob Brooks, along with apprentices Miguel Angel Andrade, Gerardo, and Manny, volunteered their time and skills to support an Eagle Scout project for Liam of Troop 1776. The team helped teach Liam and fellow scouts how to repair a damaged CMU screen wall, pour footings for a new extension, and install the new wall with stucco — a hands-on project benefiting American Legion Post 145.

AMC’s workforce development efforts continued strong throughout April, with apprenticeship programs active at both locations and instructors doing an outstanding job supporting the next generation of masonry professionals. Throughout the month, AMC connected with hundreds of students, educators, and future tradespeople through career fairs, advisory meetings, and hands-on training opportunities across the state. Career fairs and advisory meetings reached approximately 500 people, creating valuable opportunities to introduce students and job seekers to masonry careers. AMC also visited NAU to provide a hands-on masonry experience for Construction Management students, giving nearly 60 participants a quick “how-to” before challenging them to design and build their own masonry creations. The team also attended an advisory meeting at Phoenix Job Corps, helping open the door for continued hands-on training opportunities, and visited West-MEC Southwest Campus to connect with Mr. Vargas and approximately 20 Construction Technology students. Additional outreach included Peoria School District’s reverse job fair and a Maricopa County career fair at Goodyear Ballpark, where AMC connected with roughly 200 people interested in learning more about careers in the trades. AMC was also proud to be recognized for its fifth year partnering with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and the Arizona Diamondbacks, continuing a meaningful collaboration that helps promote skilled trades and career pathways across Arizona. From apprenticeship training to classroom demonstrations and career exploration events, April was another impactful month of connecting students with masonry and helping build the future workforce of the industry.

From signature events to hands-on workforce development, AMC continued to show up across every level of the masonry industry. The month was highlighted by the Excellence in Masonry Awards, bringing together over 300 industry professionals for a night dedicated to celebrating craftsmanship, leadership, innovation, and the people who continue to move masonry forward. Beyond the awards, AMC remained deeply engaged in education and industry collaboration. Participation in the NAU Industry Advisory Board Meeting and the NAU Construction Management Demolition Ball & Graduation Dinner reinforced AMC’s commitment to supporting emerging talent and strengthening relationships with future construction professionals. This work continues with the upcoming implementation of NAU’s Construction Management Mentorship Program, set to begin in Fall 2026. AMC is proud to be part of the task force helping bring this program to life through both strategy and fundraising support. Education and training remained a key focus throughout April. AMC hosted an OSHA 10 Class and supported hands-on industry training through the Machine Operators Class at Oldcastle’s Western Plant in partnership with Columbia Machine. These opportunities continue to provide valuable access to safety education, technical skill-building, and real-world industry knowledge. AMC’s reach also extended into professional development and community engagement. The SMPS presentation, “Strategy Society: Leverage the Ying and Yang for Successful Outcomes in Your Professional Career,” offered insight into the role of strategy, balance, and relationship-building in professional success. AMC also had the honor of emceeing the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year event, which has since opened the door to a growing partnership between AMC and the Boys & Girls Clubs’ workforce initiative. Workforce development continued to be a major focus across the state. AMC’s apprenticeship program is going strong, with dedicated instructors at both locations helping students build skills, confidence, and a clearer path into the trades. Throughout April, AMC connected with hundreds of students through career fairs, advisory meetings, and hands-on training experiences, including a hands-on masonry activity for 60 NAU Construction Management students, outreach at Phoenix Job Corps, a visit with West-MEC Southwest Campus Construction Technology students, participation in Peoria School District’s reverse job fair, and a career fair at Goodyear Ballpark hosted by Maricopa County. AMC was also proud to be recognized for its fifth year teaming up with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and the Arizona Diamondbacks, a continued partnership that helps elevate awareness of the skilled trades and the opportunities available within Arizona’s construction industry. From awards and education to workforce development and community partnerships, April reflected AMC’s continued commitment to strengthening masonry today while helping build the future of the industry.