What keeps State Senator Mitzi Epstein coming back to politics

Sen. Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe, spent years as a computer systems analyst before turning to a career in politics. Finding a lack of support and finances for her children's education inspired her to change paths.

She now holds a leadership position in the Arizona Senate. Epstein is no stranger to the Arizona Legislature: Although this is her first Senate term, she served three terms in the House of Representatives. She represents a district that increasingly has trended Democratic, covering Ahwatukee Foothills, much of southern Tempe and parts of Chandler.

In the 30-member Senate, Epstein leads a caucus of 14 Democrats.

This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, Epstein joins hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl to discuss the state's budget and political balance.

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