by Daniel Stefanski | Jan 23, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Immediately following the inauguration of a new President of the United States, a powerful Arizona lawmaker introduced legislation to assist federal efforts to secure the border.
On Tuesday, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen introduced the Arizona Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act (AZ ICE Act).
According to information from a press release, the bill would require “county sheriffs’ departments and the Arizona Department of Corrections to enter into 287(g) agreements with the federal government by January 1, 2026, to support enforcement of federal immigration laws. These agreements allow local law enforcement to help identify and process noncitizens who are in local custody for violating laws. Additionally, the legislation requires law enforcement to comply with immigration detainer requests, preventing criminal illegal aliens from being released back on the streets. The bill also directs funding to law enforcement to ensure that there is sufficient funding in place for implementation.”
In a statement that accompanied his release, Petersen said, “Ending the border crisis requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. This commonsense legislation will not only allow federal and local law enforcement to work together to protect our citizens, but it will also prevent government obstruction. Arizona voters spoke loud and clear last November. They overwhelmingly approved the ‘Secure the Border Act’ that Republicans referred to the ballot because they want the law enforced, and they want safe communities. I look forward to the AZ ICE Act passing the Legislature, and I’m hopeful the Governor will listen to our citizens by signing the bill when it hits her desk.”
Petersen’s release revealed that “Congress enacted section 287(g) in 1996 during the Clinton Administration. Under 287(g), local law enforcement agencies enter into agreements with the federal government to perform specified immigration functions. Local officers then receive formal training from the federal government on the scope of these functions.”
The Senate President’s latest legislative offering continues his leadership on the border lawlessness that permeated throughout the tenure of the Biden administration. Petersen supported many efforts to help Arizona law enforcement and communities protect citizens from the harms created from the porous border, including the Secure the Border Act, which was passed by Republican lawmakers last year and sent to the voters for the November General Election. Arizonans overwhelmingly voted for this ballot measure, which gave local law enforcement more resources and tools to fight back against the effects of illegal immigration around the state – one of those effects being the pervasive spread of fentanyl by cartels and drug smugglers due to the open border.
While Petersen and Republicans at the Arizona Legislature now have a partner in the White House in President Donald J. Trump for their collective efforts to secure the border and safeguard communities around their state, they will likely face continued resistance from Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat. Hobbs has opposed most Republican actions to take action on the border from the state’s perspective and purview. Now, though, that Hobbs’ window for re-election in this political cycle has commenced, she may take more steps to align on more areas over border security and enforcement than before in an attempt to convince a majority of voters that she can work across the aisle on matters of significance to the state.
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by Daniel Stefanski | Jan 22, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
One of Arizona’s leading watchdog organizations is starting off the new year with a significant lawsuit.
Last week, the Goldwater Institute announced that it had challenged “Arizona’s unconstitutional tax subsidies for filmmakers.” The lawsuit, McEwen v. Arizona Commerce Authority, was filed in the Superior Court of the State of Arizona for Maricopa County.
In that lawsuit, attorneys for the Goldwater Institute wrote that “this case challenges the constitutionality of a state program that subsidizes the film industry and private film companies to the tune of millions of dollars in refundable tax credits each year.” The filing adds that “The Arizona Motion Picture Production Program violates the Arizona Constitution’s Gift Clause, both facially and as applied to two film production projects approved to receive taxpayer-funded subsidies.”
Parker Jackson, a Staff Attorney at the Goldwater Institute, wrote a blog post about the lawsuit after it was filed with the court. He said, “…In 2022, when the state legislature controlled a $5.3 billion surplus, film industry executives and lobbyists who for years had failed to revive a subsidy program seized their chance to get back in on the action. They cobbled together enough votes to enact the Arizona Motion Picture Production Program, which provides up to $125 million in refundable tax credits each year to qualified film production projects. ‘Refundable’ means that if a film company qualifies for more in credits than they owe in taxes, the state cuts them a check! That’s even worse than the old program, which only allowed for ‘transferable’ credits (meaning the recipient could transfer or sell the credit to someone else, but the state didn’t directly send them cash).”
Jackson shared that “After delays due to administrative rulemaking and recent strikes that rocked the film industry, the state is set to finally begin issuing the first round of credits this year. The Arizona Commerce Authority has begun the process of approving subsidies up to $1.2 million for a single project.”
The Goldwater attorney finished his piece, saying, “These types of abuses are exactly why the Arizona Constitution prohibits the state from subsidizing or otherwise giving out money for private purposes unless taxpayers receive direct benefits in return. That means that the state can contract with private companies to perform services or provide supplies at fair market rates, but donations, grants, subsidies, and other forms of corporate aid are not allowed.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Jan 20, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona Republicans are pressing pause over the latest proposal from the state’s Democrat governor.
On Friday, Governor Katie Hobbs released her Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2026. In a statement that accompanied her announcement, Hobbs said, “To realize the Arizona Promise, we must deliver opportunity, security, and freedom for Arizonans. My Executive Budget reflects my commitment to continuing our strong economic growth, lowering costs, keeping communities safe and securing the border, and protecting Arizonans’ fundamental freedoms. We are connecting Arizonans to good jobs, lowering the costs of housing, child care and groceries, and protecting our veterans. I’ll continue being a strong steward of taxpayer dollars, cutting waste, fraud, and abuse and investing in the critical services that improve life for everyday Arizonans in every corner of our state.”
While Republicans had limited time to review the governor’s proposal, they did have initial thoughts about Hobbs’ latest budget for the state. Newly minted Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives Steve Montenegro said, “While we share a commitment to improving the lives of Arizonans, the Governor’s budget proposal as presented raises concerns about parental choice, fiscal responsibility, public safety, economic growth, and the undue burdens it places on the backs of taxpayers. Our House Republican Majority remains focused on policies that support hardworking families, encourage job creation, and strengthen Arizona’s future. I look forward to working together on a serious and responsible budget that addresses these goals, but it’s clear that there is a long way to go.”
A spokesperson for the Arizona Senate Republicans told AZ Free News, “We share the same concerns about some of the same issues the Governor has raised in her budget proposal. However, the Governor’s solutions are going to be a burden to the taxpayer and won’t deliver results. Senate Republicans have a fiscally responsible budget that will ensure the core functions of government are funded, will provide relief to the taxpayer, and will ensure our state is not creating unsustainable government programs.”
The FY 2026 budget proposal from Hobbs represents the third installment from the Democrat governor in a divided state government with legislative Republicans. Over the past two years, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen and his counterpart in the House of Representatives have forced Hobbs to make major concessions and ensured that key Republican priorities and interests were protected in the final budgets. Republican lawmakers will be counted upon again to stand strong against Governor Hobbs’ continued attempts to enact elements of her radical agenda on Arizona.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Jan 19, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona Republicans were excited to return to work at the state legislature for another year.
Earlier this week, the Arizona Legislature restarted its engines for the beginning of the 57th Regular Session, commencing the third year of a divided state government between Republicans in the House of Representatives and Senate and Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs.
State Representative Quang Nguyen posted, “Getting ready for the opening day, AZ Legislature.”
Nguyen also said, “I look forward to this 2025 session as Chairman of Judiciary Committee. Nothing radical will survive my shredder.”
Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope added, “Happy Opening Day Arizona!”
Representative Rachel Jones shared the oath of office with a picture of her being sworn into the new term: “I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Arizona, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and defend them against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office of House Representative according to the best of my ability, so help me God.”
Senator Janae Shamp was honored with the position of her chamber’s Majority Leader, becoming the third female in that role in the state’s storied history. The X account for the Arizona Senate Republicans wrote, “Today, Senator Shamp made history as only the third female Majority Leader of the Arizona Senate! At the Senate Opening Day Ceremony, Majority Leader Shamp had the distinct honor of introducing State Treasurer Kimberly Yee, formerly known as Senate Majority Leader Yee from 2017-2019. Majority Leader Shamp joins the ranks of Kimberly Yee and the legendary Sandra Day O’Connor as just one of three women to serve as the Arizona Senate Majority Leader in Arizona history. This achievement marks a significant step forward for women in political leadership positions, setting the stage by inspiring future generations of women in leadership.”
State Treasurer Kimberly Yee shared praise for Shamp, saying, “It was an honor to recognize Senator Shamp as the 3rd female Senate Majority Leader in Arizona’s history. As the 2nd female Senate Majority Leader, I was honored to congratulate Leader Shamp on this accomplishment and offer her words of wisdom as she begins this important role.”
Senator Shawnna Bolick posted, “Earlier today, I took my oath to uphold our state’s and US Constitution and laws governing us against foreign and domestic enemies. It is an honor to serve my second term in the State Senate representing District 2. Thank you to everyone who helped us retain this legislative seat.”
Representative Michael Carbone added, “Honored to be sworn in as Majority Leader in the State House this past Monday, along with these fellow State Representatives and Senator. We’re ready to get to work!”
State Representative Michele Peña wrote, “I’m privileged and honored to have been sworn in last Monday to represent LD 23 for two more years. Thank you to my constituents, friends and family for your support. I’m ready to continue working hard for you.”
Representative Justin Olson stated, “It was an honor to be sworn in to the 57th Arizona State Legislature today! I look forward to serving my constituents while working to protect and preserve the conservative principles of our country’s founding. We are so blessed to live in a land where freedom reigns!”
These Republicans – and the others in their caucuses – will be counted upon to hold the line against their Democrat counterparts and Governor Katie Hobbs in, what will certainly be, another contentious installment of an Arizona state government.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Jan 19, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona Democrats returned to work at the state legislature last week – this time with smaller numbers than the previous year.
Last Monday, the Arizona Legislature revved back into action for the 57th Regular Session. Even though legislative Democrats lost ground in both chambers during the November 2024 General Election, they were still excited for the start of the year and the work ahead to stand with Governor Katie Hobbs in a divided state government.
On its X account, the Arizona Senate Democrats Caucus posted, “Today the 57th Legislature kicks-off and Democrats have set a bold agenda to make Arizona more affordable, invest in public education, secure our water future, keep government out of our private lives, and protect our right to vote.”
State Representative Consuelo Hernandez wrote, “Honored to be sworn in for my second term in the 57th legislature as your state representative in district 21! Thank you for the confidence I commit to fighting to help improve our community. Thank you for your support!”
In a press conference before the Opening Day festivities, House Democrat Leader Oscar De Los Santos said, “It is time to put working families first. That is why we will make the government work for you and not the special interests.”
State Senator Eva Diaz added, “Today is Opening Day at the State Legislature. I will continue to take action for District 22 by advocating for effective public education, quality healthcare that’s accessible and affordable, and the rights of vulnerable communities and working class families.”
Senator Analise Ortiz stated, “Today I was officially sworn in as your State Senator. Thank you, Maryvale and Glendale for your trust in me. I’m honored to go to work every day to fight on your behalf for housing we can afford, fair wages, safe communities, and fully-funded public schools.”
Representative Kevin Volk posted, “This week, I was sworn in as State Representative for District 17 in Arizona’s 57th Legislature. I’m grateful to my family, friends, and supporters, and to the voters who entrusted me with this great responsibility. It is an honor to serve.”
While Democrats are filled with optimism at the beginning of this new legislative session, they will be largely relegated to the background as Republican lawmakers control the mechanisms of the House and Senate and lead negotiations on key items during the session, such as the budget. Democrats will again provide support for Hobbs however they can from their perches in the minority and attempt to set the stage for a legislative takeover in two years, in what will be another critical election year for the State of Arizona.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
