by Jonathan Eberle | Mar 24, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC), led by Representative David Livingston (R-28), convened on Thursday to address what it described as a financial mismanagement crisis within Governor Katie Hobbs’ administration. The focus of the meeting was the Department of Child Safety’s (DCS) Congregate Care program, which is reportedly facing imminent financial collapse.
The JLBC directed DCS to use existing funds within its budget to maintain services for vulnerable children without seeking additional taxpayer dollars. According to Chairman Livingston, Governor Hobbs’ approach to budgeting has resulted in repeated financial emergencies.
“Governor Hobbs’s repeated failures to manage the budget responsibly have pushed agencies into crisis after crisis. Her administration’s approach is to overspend, ignore reality, and then demand a last-minute bailout. That’s not leadership—that’s recklessness,” Livingston stated.
Republican legislators accused the Governor’s team of failing to disclose available federal funds that could have been used to stabilize the Congregate Care program. Instead, they said that those funds were redirected to a separate Kinship Support Services initiative that had not previously received state funding.
“That decision by the Governor is stunning,” Livingston said. “Instead of prioritizing the program on the brink of insolvency, she chose to send federal dollars elsewhere. This raises serious questions about her administration’s priorities and decision-making.”
Beyond the immediate concerns with DCS, lawmakers also raised alarms about the Developmental Disabilities (DDD) program, which they claim is on track to run out of funds by April. Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro announced the formation of a House Ad Hoc Committee on Executive Budget Mismanagement to investigate what Republicans see as a pattern of fiscal irresponsibility under Governor Hobbs’ administration.
“We care deeply about the children in DCS’ care. That’s why we acted quickly today,” Livingston stated. “The Legislature will not reward fiscal irresponsibility by throwing more taxpayer dollars at a crisis of the Governor’s making. Moving forward, the Governor must be more transparent and accountable about her agency budgets.”
The coming weeks will likely see further debate as lawmakers seek answers regarding the state’s financial outlook and agency funding priorities.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Mar 23, 2025 | Education, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
The Arizona Legislature is considering a constitutional amendment that would restrict preferential treatment and discrimination based on race or ethnicity in public education, government spending, and hiring practices.
House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 2042, sponsored by Rep. Steve Montenegro (R-LD 29), would reinforce existing constitutional protections by prohibiting state agencies, schools, and employers from favoring or disadvantaging individuals based on race or ethnicity. If approved by the Legislature, the measure will be placed on the next general election ballot for voter approval.
HCR 2042 expands Arizona’s existing anti-discrimination policies by banning the use of race or ethnicity as a factor in hiring, promotions, admissions, or contracting decisions in public institutions. It also would prevent state-funded institutions from compelling employees, students, or contractors to support race-based policies as a condition of employment or academic advancement.
In addition, HCR 2042 would prohibit public funding for university offices (like DEI offices) or initiatives that promote preferential treatment based on race or ethnicity, restrict diversity training that endorses race-based privilege, intersectionality, or the idea that neutral policies perpetuate racial injustice, and ensure that disciplinary policies in public schools and workplaces do not treat individuals differently based on race or ethnicity.
The bill allows exemptions for academic research, student organizations, legal compliance, and mental or physical health services provided by licensed professionals.
Proponents of the bill say that preferential treatment—whether through race-based hiring, admissions, or funding allocations—undermines fairness and meritocracy. Equal treatment under the law is a fundamental principle that should apply to all individuals, regardless of background, and race-based policies can create resentment and devalue achievements by making qualifications appear tied to identity rather than merit.
Supporters of the legislation also argue that neutral, colorblind policies are the best way to ensure fairness in education, employment, and government programs. They say that government should not fund initiatives that favor one racial or ethnic group over another, as this can lead to unintended discrimination.
HCR 2042 was approved by the House Government Committee in a 4-3 vote and now awaits further legislative debate. If passed, Arizona voters will decide on the measure in the next statewide election.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Mar 22, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
The Arizona State Legislature is reviewing several election-related bills aimed at tightening voter registration rules, increasing transparency in election mailings, and preventing potential voter fraud.
Sponsored by Rep. John Gillette (LD-30), the three bills—HB 2004, HB 2006, and HB 2007—focus on restricting voter registration mailings, requiring disclosures on election-related mailings, banning payment incentives for voter registration, and limiting third-party election mailers. Supporters argue these measures will protect election integrity.
HB 2004: Restricting Out-of-State Voter Registration Mailings
This bill prohibits Arizona county recorders from sending voter registration cards to mailing addresses outside the state, with exceptions for military personnel and overseas voters covered under federal law as well as Arizona residents without in-state postal service access.
Supporters argue this bill prevents potential voter fraud by ensuring only Arizona residents receive registration materials at valid in-state addresses. HB 2004 passed the House Floor (33-27-1) and is now under Senate consideration.
HB 2006: Requiring Disclosures on Election Mailings
Under this bill, any nongovernmental entity that mails or delivers election-related documents—such as voter registration applications or early ballot requests—must include the phrase “not from a government agency” on the envelope. The requirement applies to third-party voter registration groups, political organizations, and nonprofit advocacy groups.
Proponents argue this measure prevents voter confusion and ensures recipients can differentiate between official government communications and third-party outreach. HB 2006 passed the House Floor (37-19-4) and is advancing to the Senate.
HB 2007: Prohibiting Payment for Voter Registration Quotas
This bill bans individuals or organizations from paying or receiving compensation based on the number of voter registration forms collected, completed, or submitted.
Currently, government agencies, political parties, and private organizations conducting voter registration drives receive state and federal voter registration forms at no cost. However, this bill would ensure that voter registration efforts are not incentivized by financial compensation, which supporters say prevents fraudulent or rushed registrations. HB 2007 passed the House Floor (34-23-3) and is now under Senate review.
The Arizona Senate is expected to debate these bills in the coming weeks. As lawmakers debate these measures, Arizona voters will be watching closely to see how the changes may impact future elections.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Mar 19, 2025 | Economy, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
A proposed amendment to Arizona’s tax laws could make it significantly harder for cities and counties to raise taxes and fees. Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1008, sponsored by Senate President Warren Petersen, proposes requiring a two-thirds majority vote from municipal and county governing bodies before they can increase assessments, taxes, or fees.
SCR 1008 builds upon Arizona’s existing tax-related voting requirements. In 1992, Proposition 108 established that any net increase in state revenue—including tax hikes or new fees—requires a two-thirds vote in both chambers of the state legislature. More recently, Proposition 132, passed in 2022, mandated that any tax-related ballot initiative or referendum must receive at least 60% voter approval to become law.
Currently, municipal and county governments must provide a 60-day public notice before imposing new business taxes or fees. However, SCR 1008 would go further by requiring a supermajority vote at the local level before such increases could be enacted.
Key provisions of SCR 1008 include:
- A two-thirds vote by a city’s common council would be required to increase any assessment, tax, or fee.
- A two-thirds vote by a county’s board of supervisors would be required for similar increases.
- The measure declares tax and fee regulation a statewide concern, limiting the ability of local governments to adopt different rules.
- The proposal must be approved by voters in the next general election before becoming law.
If approved by the legislature, the measure would head to the ballot for voters to decide its ultimate fate.
SCR 1008 reflects ongoing efforts by Arizona lawmakers to place additional restrictions on tax increases at both the state and local levels. Supporters argue that requiring a supermajority vote will protect taxpayers from excessive government fees, while opponents contend it could limit the ability of local governments to fund critical services such as infrastructure, public safety, and education.
The bill narrowly passed the Senate Government Committee with a 4-3 vote and now awaits further legislative consideration.
If approved by voters, SCR 1008 would significantly change the way local governments in Arizona raise revenue, ensuring that any tax or fee increase has broad political support before becoming law.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Mar 19, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
A bill asking President Trump and Congress to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from imposing sanctions on Arizona is currently making its way through the Arizona legislature.
House Concurrent Memorial (HCM) 2010, sponsored by Rep. Michael Carbone (R-LD25) urges the federal government to prevent the EPA from imposing what lawmakers call “coercive and likely unconstitutional” penalties on Arizona regarding ozone pollution standards. The resolution also calls for maintaining the existing 2015 air quality standard rather than implementing stricter regulations.
The federal Clean Air Act requires the EPA to set and periodically review air quality standards to protect public health. In 2015, the EPA lowered the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ground-level ozone to 70 parts per billion to reduce harmful pollution linked to respiratory illnesses. However, Arizona officials argue that some areas struggle to meet the standard due to factors beyond their control, such as emissions from outside the state or even outside the country.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is responsible for implementing and enforcing air quality regulations at the state level. Under federal law, state air quality plans must prevent emissions that significantly contribute to pollution in neighboring states or interfere with visibility protections.
The resolution, if passed, would formally request that:
- The President and Congress intervene to stop the EPA from penalizing Arizona for failing to meet ozone standards deemed unattainable with current technology.
- The EPA revise its regulations to allow Arizona’s air quality plan to account for cross-border emissions when determining compliance.
- The EPA maintain the 2015 ozone standard rather than implement stricter limits that the resolution claims lack sufficient scientific backing.
Additionally, the measure directs the Arizona Secretary of State to send copies of the memorial to federal officials, including the President, congressional leaders, and Arizona’s U.S. Senators and Representatives.
The measure passed the Arizona House with a 32-27-1 vote and was approved by the House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee in a 6-4 vote.
Supporters of the resolution argue that Arizona should not be penalized for ozone levels influenced by external sources beyond state control. If approved by the Legislature, HCM 2010 will serve as an official request for federal action but will not carry the force of law.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
