by Daniel Stefanski | Sep 13, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A Republican lawmaker is responding to a glaring report about an alleged misuse of Arizona taxpayer funds of historic proportions in Santa Cruz County.
Late last month, Arizona State Representative Matt Gress, the House Chairman of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC), issued a response to an investigatory report by the Arizona Auditor General’s Office over “alleged significant financial misconduct by the former Santa Cruz County Treasurer.” The potential misappropriation of funds may have come close to $40 million.
Earlier this year, former Santa Cruz County Treasurer Elizabeth “Liz” Gutfahr resigned her office, just days after Chase Bank flagged the financial irregularities. Multiple law enforcement jurisdictions are investigating the actions from the office over the past decade.
In a statement, Gress said, “The actions detailed in the Arizona Auditor General’s report are deeply disturbing and represent a significant betrayal of public trust. This case would stand as one of the worst instances of county financial misconduct in Arizona’s history, underscoring the need for more stringent oversight and accountability in the management of public resources. It is particularly concerning that, despite the County’s authorization, one of the County’s financial institutions may not have fully cooperated with the Auditor General’s investigation. Any refusal to provide additional information only heightens the severity of the situation and underscores the need for greater transparency.”
On August 26, Arizona Auditor General Lindsey Perry sent the report to Governor Katie Hobbs, Attorney General Kris Mayes, Members of the Arizona Legislature, the Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors, and the Assistant U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice. Perry’s report stated that “Our investigation revealed that from March 2014 through March 2024, the Treasurer allegedly took $39,472,100 when she made at least 182 unauthorized wire transfers from 2 County Treasurer’s Office bank accounts to business bank accounts connected to her. To help conceal her actions, the Treasurer allegedly failed to record her unauthorized wire transfers in the County Treasurer’s accounting system and lied to and/or provided numerous false investment statements, cash reconciliations, and Treasurer’s Reports to County entities, officials, and employees; a County financial consultant; and/or the Arizona Auditor General (Office).”
The report made nine recommendations to county officials and two to the Arizona Legislature.
Gress showed his willingness to work on legislation in the next session to help prevent this kind of situation from ever happening again in Arizona. He said, “I intend to introduce legislation in the next session that will expand the authority of the Arizona Auditor General, giving the office independent access to financial institution records directly from the institutions themselves. This will ensure that auditors have more tools necessary to uncover and address financial misconduct, even when internal controls fail. Additionally, I am considering introducing legislation to require newly elected or appointed county treasurers and their deputies to meet specific training requirements, better equipping them to manage public funds responsibly.”
The first-term legislator concluded his statement, writing, “I commend the diligence of the Auditor General’s Office and the law enforcement agencies involved in bringing these issues to light. Moving forward, it is imperative that the County implements the nine recommendations made by the Arizona Auditor General to establish stronger safeguards to prevent such abuses and ensure that public officials are held to the highest standards of integrity. We owe it to the citizens of Arizona to protect their hard-earned tax dollars from fraud and corruption by arming the Arizona Auditor General with additional tools to uncover financial misconduct.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Jun 18, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona Republicans again got the better of Governor Katie Hobbs with their second installment of a state budget amid a tenuous divided government.
On Saturday night, the Republican-led Arizona Legislature passed the 2024-2025 state budget and adjourned for the year after finishing its tasks. This latest budget was negotiated between Senate President Warren Petersen, House Speaker Ben Toma, and Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs.
“Following last year’s state budget, where Republican lawmakers provided inflationary relief to everyday Arizonans through $274 million in tax rebates distributed to struggling families, as well as a ban on the tenant-paid rental tax taking effect this January, Republicans are again successfully supporting our hardworking citizens while simultaneously reining in spending,” said Senate President Warren Petersen. “In this year’s budget, we defended more than $520 million allocated last year for much-needed transportation projects statewide. We also cut fees for Maricopa County drivers on emissions testing by 5%, and we banned fee increases on Arizonans from state boards for the next two years.”
House Speaker Ben Toma added, “At a time when Arizonans are having to tighten their financial belts, so is state government. The Arizona House of Representatives has passed a fiscally conservative, structurally balanced state budget that solves the nearly $1.5 billion deficit, without touching the rainy-day fund or using budget gimmickry. The budget trims government and protects conservative priorities. It increases funding for local border support operations and assists fentanyl interdiction efforts by law enforcement. It funds transportation and infrastructure and maintains our state’s commitment to water security.”
According to a press release from the Arizona Senate Republicans Caucus, some of the highlights from the agreed-upon budget included the following:
- Reduction of state spending by $1.7 billion below the 2023-2024 budget (10%);
- Reduction of ongoing spending by $330 million; and
- Addition of $5 million for local border security support and $4 million for fentanyl interdiction and law enforcement response.
The Senate Republicans also noted that their efforts this year produced a budget that did not add any new taxes, tax increases, or debt. Additionally, the budget did not pull dollars from the rainy-day fund, ensuring that the state would have sufficient funds to draw upon should it experience more stormy weather in future years.
“We tightened the state’s belt by trimming fat from state agencies, and we reallocated unspent tax dollars to the general fund to eliminate the deficit, without irresponsibly tapping into our rainy-day fund,” said Senate Appropriations Chairman John Kavanagh. “Most government operations within the state received a healthy and manageable 3.5% reduction in spending, with a few exceptions. Safe communities free of crime and a secure border are the biggest priorities to Arizonans and Republicans alike, and we want to ensure our budget reflects that. As a result, funding for the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Corrections, and the Arizona Auditor General remains intact, while we’re also investing millions in border security, all without raising taxes or creating new debt.”
“Our budget also reflects our support for our citizens’ Second Amendment rights,” said Senator David Gowan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Military Affairs, Public Safety & Border Security. “We’re funding two full time positions at the Department of Public Safety to address a backlog of concealed carry permit applications and renewals, with a requirement to prioritize Arizona residents first. This move can have a positive impact in our state by ultimately strengthening the safety and security of our communities as our citizens seek avenues to protect themselves, their families, and their private property. Additionally in this budget, we’re infusing crucial dollars into the Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) located in our rural communities, so these residents have convenient access to emergency care.”
Not every Republican was on board with this budget, however. State Representative Matt Gress explained his “no” vote on the most-recent edition, writing, “This year’s [budget] seems more focused on just ‘getting it done’ than ‘doing it right.’ There’s a reason there is bipartisan opposition. This is not a budget that reflects the shared priorities of Arizonans.”
Gress’ fellow Republican colleague in the chamber, Representative Jacqueline Parker, opined, “Literally the ONLY ones saying good things about this budget are Democrats…”
Senator Wendy Rogers weighed in after the vote in her chamber, posting, “This was a solid Republican budget and I voted for it.”
State Representative John Gillette agreed with Rogers’ sentiments, saying, “After a hard fight and two days of voting, we finally passed the 2024-2025 budget with tax cuts and NO new debt. Fiscal responsibility and conservative values prevailed.”
Regardless of their stance on the budget agreement, many Republicans seemed to be excited about the end of another legislative session.
Republicans will now have to make the case to Arizona voters in the all-important November General Election about why they should return to power in the state legislature for another two years in a divided government with Governor Hobbs. Throughout the past two years, Republicans have been mostly united and focused on protecting several of their priorities from the clutches of Democrats eager to dismantle values and principles. That balance of power, though, hangs on a knife’s edge as fall awaits.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | May 25, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A bipartisan bill to protect sex trafficking victims was recently signed into law by Arizona’s Governor.
This week, Governor Katie Hobbs signed HB 2623, which “removes the requirement that a prostitution offense be committed by a person before July 24, 2014 in order for the person to apply to have the conviction vacated due to the person’s status as a sex trafficking victim” – according to the overview from the Arizona House of Representatives.
According to the press release issued by state House Republicans, “under the previous law, victims of sex trafficking could apply to have their prostitution convictions vacated if they could prove that the conviction was a direct result of being trafficked. However, this was only appliable if the offense occurred before July 24, 2014. HB 2623 removes the date restriction, allowing victims to apply regardless of when the offense occurred.
State Representative Matt Gress, the sponsor of the legislation, issued a statement following the governor’s positive action on his bill, writing, “Not every victim of sex trafficking is ready or able to share their story at the time of their prosecution. Coming forward is often a long and difficult process. That’s why this new law is important for victims, ensuring they can seek justice and clear their names, no matter when their exploitation occurred.”
Gress added, “I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Sheri Lopez, founder of the non-profit organization Pearl at the Mailbox, a resource for victims of human trafficking. “Sheri testified before several legislative committees, bravely sharing her personal story to educate legislators about the present-day horrors of human trafficking. Her advocacy has been instrumental in bringing about this important legislative change, and her heart to help and heal other victims is an inspiration for us all.”
In February, the bill passed the Arizona House with a 57-0 tally (with two members not voting and one seat vacant). The Arizona Senate amended the proposal in April and approved of the latest version with a 26-1 vote (with three members not voting). The House then concurred with the Senate’s changes with a 57-0 vote (with three members not voting), before sending the legislation to the Governor’s Office for Hobbs’ decision.
On the Arizona Legislature’s Request to Speak system, representatives from Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, Arizona Association of Counties, Middle Ground Prison Reform, Arizona National Organization for Women, and State Conference NAACP signed in to endorse the bill.
HB 2623 will go into effect 90 days following the conclusion of the 2024 legislative session.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | Apr 24, 2024 | News
By Staff Reporter |
The Arizona House voted on Wednesday to repeal the state’s total abortion ban in a close 32-28 vote. The repeal is now in the Senate’s hands.
Three Republicans joined Democrats to eradicate Arizona’s abortion ban: Tim Dunn, Matt Gress, Justin Wilmeth. The repeal would mean that another existing law restricting abortions after 15 weeks goes into effect.
The historic abortion ban predates Arizona’s statehood and lasted up until the Supreme Court’s codification of abortion in 1973 through Roe v. Wade.
House Speaker Ben Toma, congressional candidate for District 8, said in a press release that the vote was rushed, a grave error that would allow for the slaughter of unborn children for up to 15 weeks.
“It would have been prudent and responsible to allow the courts to decide the constitutionality of the pre-Roe law,” said Toma. “I feel compelled to reiterate my personal view that this decision to repeal the abortion ban in Arizona effectively means that we are allowing the murder of unborn children up to 15 weeks of pregnancy.”
Toma chided Democrats for a lack of decorum on the House floor, citing outbursts and personal attacks. The speaker also warned that the opposing party would continue to push for a wider window for abortions, all the way up to birth — effectively, infanticide.
“Democrats are pushing radicalism and will not relent until Arizona recognizes abortion on demand and abortion through 9 months of pregnancy,” said Toma.
One of the three Republicans to join Democrats to repeal the abortion ban, Dunn, defended his vote in a press release insisting that he is pro-life, but that abortions should still be allowed in cases of rape and incest — situations for which the historic abortion ban didn’t grant exceptions. Dunn said his decision was the “most pro-life vote” possible.
“Should the pre-Roe law remain in effect, I firmly believe more lives will be lost over time. The public backlash would result in codifying disturbing and unlimited abortions in the Arizona Constitution, which is something that I cannot allow to happen,” said Dunn.
Gress also issued a press release claiming he is pro-life. However, Gress didn’t go into details about how the abortion ban went too far. Rather, Gress lumped those supportive of total abortion bans and those supportive of unfettered abortion together as extremists.
“As someone who is both pro-life and the product of strong women in my life, I refuse to buy into the false notion pushed by the extremes on both sides of this issue that we cannot respect and protect women and defend new life at the same time,” said Gress.
Democratic lawmakers celebrated the vote. The author of the bill repealing the historic abortion ban, House Bill 2677, was Democratic Representative Stephanie Stahl Hamilton.
The House narrowly rejected a motion to transmit the bill immediately to Governor Katie Hobbs, 30-30, should the Senate have returned the bill unamended. Gress was the sole Republican who joined his Democratic colleagues in voting for that motion.
Hobbs praised the abortion ban repeal, calling the law “archaic” and a threat to women’s lives. As Toma predicted, Hobbs indicated that the securing of abortions up to 15 weeks was only the beginning.
“I will do everything I can to stop harmful legislation that strips women’s control of their bodies. But there is much more to do,” said Hobbs. “I encourage each Arizonan to continue to speak out and fight for your reproductive freedoms.”
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Apr 17, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Emotions are high at the Arizona Legislature over the state’s near ban on abortions.
After the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that the longtime statute governing (and outlawing) most abortions was, in fact, the effective law of the state, legislators sought to enact changes to that policy. Last week, a coalition of State House Democrats and Republican Representative Matthew Gress sought immediate floor consideration of HB 2677, which would repeal the controversial law in question – Section 13-3603. That bill had been sponsored by Democrat Representative Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, who had attempted previously in the session to force a vote on this proposal.
Before the vote on the repeal, the House successfully recessed and then adjourned, ensuring that the near prohibition on abortions in Arizona remained intact for at least another week.
Democrats were furious at the events transpiring on the floor, turning their outrage on Gress, who they accused of supporting the call for recess. In unison, they shouted “Shame,” pointing in the freshman lawmaker’s and other Republicans’ direction as he turned to gaggle with members of the press.
Representative Gress claimed that “Arizonans want us to find common ground on the important issue of abortion. We must repeal the Territorial Ban and return to the more reasonable 15-week policy that protects women and new life.”
Gress not only attracted political anger from the left, but from his colleagues on the right. Fellow freshman legislator Alexander Kolodin unleashed his perception of the day’s happenings, writing, “Rep. Gress did not facilitate today’s Democrat takeover of the Arizona House, he led it. In breaking the rules he voted for, he put his Republican comrades in swing districts in the line of fire for the sake of his own political ambitions, betrayed the pro-life movement, and denied the body the opportunity for the deliberation and discussion due this sensitive topic.”
House Speaker Ben Toma was not happy with the scene that unfolded on his floor, releasing a statement against the actions of the Democrats. He said, “One thing is clear: Democrats are so eager to enshrine in our state constitution a right to kill unborn children up until birth with virtually no restrictions. Under the Democrats’ view, partial birth abortions would be allowed, and minors could get abortions on demand without parental consent or a court order. That’s not healthcare or reproductive care. The Democrats’ approach to this issue is unconscionable, it’s extreme, and Arizonans do not agree with such an unrestricted right to abortion that would jeopardize women’s health and safety.”
He added, “The issue of abortion and protecting the lives of the unborn is a very emotionally charged, complicated issue, one which many Arizonans and legislators fundamentally and ethically have firm beliefs. The Court’s 47-page ruling was released just yesterday, and we as an elected body are going to take the time needed to listen to our constituents and carefully consider appropriate actions, rather than rush legislation on a topic of this magnitude without a larger discussion. These are difficult conversations we all need to have, and we absolutely cannot have them when Democrat legislators act as uncivilly, and engage in appallingly childish behavior, as we saw on the House floor today. That’s not how we debate important issues down here and I find it completely unacceptable and disappointing. We who are elected to serve in the Arizona House of Representatives are expected to conduct ourselves with decorum and integrity. That’s not negotiable and something I will always uphold as Speaker of the House.”
Legislators will try again to repeal the near ban on abortions when they return on Wednesday. If they are successful, it would mark the first time in the state’s history that the Arizona Legislature “affirmatively created a right to, or independently authorized, elective abortion” – as pointed out by the State Supreme Court in its opinion last week. Should 13-3603 be repealed, the 15-week ban, which was signed into statute in 2022, would likely become the prevailing law of the state, allowing for abortions to occur up to that point in time.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
