Public school advocates accuse Arizona Republican lawmaker of conflict of interest

A group of public school advocates are calling for an ethics investigation into state lawmaker Matt Gress over allegations that his lobbying work in other states has influenced his work at the Arizona Legislature.

According to his financial disclosure statement, Gress, a Phoenix Republican, works for Americans for Fair Treatment, an Oklahoma nonprofit that advocates for anti-union legislation and has supported laws weakening teachers unions across the country.

The Arizona Agenda reported that Gress is registered as a lobbyist for the organization in New Hampshire, Iowa, Indiana and Arkansas.

Gress is not a lobbyist in Arizona, which would violate state laws barring lawmakers from lobbying the Legislature here.

But Jacob Martinez, vice president of of the Save Our Schools Arizona Board of Directors, accused Gress of pushing “special interest legislation” tied to his employer. He pointed to HCR 2040, a measure Republican lawmakers sent to the ballot that would restrict public school teachers’ ability to engage in union activities.

“He’s using his status as chairman of the House Education Committee to do nothing else but serve his employer’s interests,” said Martinez, who is also running for the Legislature in the East Valley’s District 9.

Gress denied the allegations, calling them “partisan attacks” as he seeks re-election.

“You get used to it representing a swing district like mine,” Gress said.

Gress represents Legislative District 4, one of the state’s most competitive districts, where Democrats are seeking to oust Gress and his seatmates, Rep. Pamela Carter and Sen. Carine Werner.

“The facts here are simple: my employer was not involved in HCR 2040, and my outside employment has no role in Arizona policy matters,” Gress said.

Gress also said he supports the Legislature convening in a special session to repeal HCR 2040 after several other public sector unions, including the Arizona Police Association, expressed concern that vague language in the bill could undermine their ability to represent members as well.

Gress is not the only Arizona lawmaker who works for an organization that has staked out positions on pending legislation or could stand to benefit from lawmakers’ votes.

For instance, Rep. Aaron Marquez (D-Phoenix) works with VetsForward, a veterans advocacy group that advocates for legislation.

And Rep. Justin Olsen (R-Mesa) works for Turning Point USA. Lawmakers considered multiple bills this year that would have honored the organization’s late founder, Charlie Kirk, and another that could have created a special license plate to benefit the group.

Gress’ critics didn’t address those other lawmakers, only accusing Gress of doing his employer’s bidding at the Legislature.

“The connections are obvious,” said Denise Prevette, who said she lives in Gress’ district. “Matt Gress is lobbying on behalf of AFFT in his capacity as an elected official in Legislative District 4 and as House Education Committee chair.”

Martinez and Prevette called on the House Ethics Committee to investigate Gress over allegations he violated conflict-of-interest rules.

A spokesman for House Republicans said a member of the House would first have to file a complaint against Gress and then the House Ethics Committee Chairman, Republican Rep. Lupe Diaz, would decide whether to pursue it.

“Currently there is not one filed,” spokesman Andrew Wilder said.

A spokesman for House Democrats said he was unaware of plans to file an ethics complaint against Gress.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been modified to correct Jacob Martinez's title.