by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 17, 2024 | Education, News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Amid an increased flurry of attacks on Arizona’s school choice opportunities, a prominent organization is countering with the facts.
Citizens For Free Enterprise responded to another derogatory statement about Arizona’s historic Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) azprogram from the state’s Democrat Governor, Katie Hobbs. Earlier this week, Hobbs posted, “ESAs are rife with waste, fraud and abuse, and this will only make it worse. This empowers bad actors who are spending taxpayer dollars on ski passes, luxury car driving lessons, and grand pianos. We need accountability and transparency for this almost billion dollar program.”
Hobbs was reacting to a recent news story about the Arizona Department of Education’s new policy to automatically approve a vast majority of outstanding reimbursement requests from parents in the program, which was announced by Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, at a Board of Education meeting.
The response from Citizens For Free Enterprise stated, “FACT CHECK: Arizona’s universal school choice program is a model of accountability, transparency, and security, according to CSI Institute Arizona. The over 83,000 Arizona families using ESAs just want the best for their children – and Katie Hobbs should stop attacking them.”
Others weighed in on the governor’s attack ahead of the 57th State Legislature, starting in January. State Representative Travis Grantham said, “I wish Democrats cared this much about government waste across the board. Why do they only care about it when it’s privatized and / or it gives the citizenry more choices?”
Fellow legislator Austin Smith added, “Not only was Katie Hobbs education agenda rejected; she lost seats in the house and senate. Bold move Cotton, let’s see if it pays off.”
Not everyone was opposed to Hobbs’ statement. Democrat State Representative Oscar De Los Santos replied, “From forging documents to scam taxpayers to abusing funds for luxury items, the private school voucher program is filled with waste, fraud, and abuse. Every Arizonan should be outraged. The DOGE committees should take a look at this disaster.”
Matthew Ladner, a school choice advocate, weighed in on De Los Santos’ statements, saying, “The waste, fraud and abuse in the ESA program is a small fraction of programs you support. If you’d like to eliminate all the programs with ESA level or higher abuse you will make Ron Paul a very happy man!”
In addition to its statement, Citizens For Free Enterprise shared a document of facts from the Common Sense Institute Arizona (CSI) to counter the myth that “ESA’s are subject to rampant fraud and abuse.” On that document, CSI highlighted that there was more than $2 billion of “Medicaid billing fraud in Arizona revealed by a single investigation into pandemic-era relaxed program standards,” and that “Arizona’s share of estimated pandemic-era fraudulent U.S. Unemployment Insurance payments” was $2.3 billion. On the flip side, according to CSI, “the sum-total of all specific, public allegations of ESA fraud …identified to-date, since universal eligibility expansion” was just around $650,000 – a far cry from the fraud in other state programs and handouts.
CSI concluded that “there are specific statutory requirements governing the use of ESA monies – including guidelines on permissible expenditures and a requirement that ADE conduct random and regular audits to ensure compliance. Within that framework, the program has been able to run well, especially compared to similar programs.”
While officials and organizations may have again successfully pushed back on Demcorats’ renewed, false detractions of the ESA program, Horne’s handling of this significant portion of the department he was entrusted to oversee continues to present major headaches for Republicans and school choice proponents. Since Horne’s first ESA Director, Christine Accurso, left the office last summer, he has been faced with a rising number of reimbursement requests and other issues that he has struggled to address with his team. Horne also capitulated to Democrat Attorney General Kris Mayes earlier this year, when she challenged him about the lack of “curriculum” attached to certain requests, adding additional regulations for parents to comply with the attorney general’s threats. Horne’s backsliding here came after he had repeatedly stood up to Mayes and Hobbs’ saber-rattling against the school choice program.
Additionally, Horne recently blamed a number of external factors, including Arizona state legislators, for the skyrocketing number of unfulfilled reimbursement requests. In a November press conference, Horne noted a fix to the ESA program that allowed parents to bypass ClassWallet to obtain reimbursements, stating, “Somebody went to the Legislature last year and got them to pass a bill saying they could do it by reimbursement… We’ve asked the Legislature, in the future, ‘Please ask us before you pass something so we can tell you what the consequences will be.’”
While the program has continued to grow over the past two years, Arizona Education Department officials have failed to satisfactorily explain why the processes put in place by Accurso before her departure were unable to suffice for smooth management and processing of reimbursements and other factors of ESA program oversight and delivery going forward. Accurso was able to save the program from massive and glaring issues created by Horne’s Democrat predecessor, adding staff to her team and reducing the backlogs to almost nothing, while accounting for an exponential increase in students and families realizing the benefits of ESAs.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 8, 2024 | Economy, News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona Republican efforts to lower monthly bills for renters around the state have come to fruition.
Late last month, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen shared a screenshot from an apartment property manager, alerting residents that rental taxes would no longer be on their bills. The manager wrote, “For years, Arizona has been one of the few states to allow cities and government entities to charge tax on rent. In 2023, a law was passed banning such transaction privilege tax. While the law was passed in 2023, it was not set to go into effect until January 1, 2025. Therefore, starting in January, rental tax will no longer be charged, and you will see a decrease in your monthly charges.”
Petersen responded to the news, saying, “It’s happening. Renters are about to get relief from the rental tax repeal passed by the Republican led legislature. The rental tax repeal was an important part of our majority plan to deliver inflation relief. To get the governors signature we had to delay the effective date to Jan 1 2025. Many people said the Dems would take the majority and put the tax back in place. Fortunately for renters we held the Senate and the House.”
Senator Shawnna Bolick also weighed in on the announcement from her chamber’s leader, indicating that additional plans to lower costs for Arizonans might be forthcoming from Republicans in the state legislature. She said, “In 2022, when I first sponsored that bill I met a guy from southern Arizona who asked me to do something about the residential rental tax. I spoke with this same gentleman this past week once again and he asked me to look at another tax issue since it is now going away. Stay tuned.”
Representative Travis Grantham echoed Petersen’s comments, writing, “So happy we made this happen. Wouldn’t have happened without you endlessly pushing for it!”
In August 2023, Governor Katie Hobbs signed SB 1131, the rental tax elimination bill for Arizona tenants, into law.
According to Arizona Senate Republicans at the time of the signing, “There are approximately 70 municipalities within our state charging this tax, while cities and towns continue to collect record revenues. From fiscal years 2019 to 2023, state-shared revenues from both sales and income taxes combined grew $733 million, or 59%. This increase is on top of any sales taxes or property taxes individually levied by each city. Between FY 2024 and FY 2025, those shared revenues are expected to grow by an additional $389 million.”
Hobbs had vetoed an earlier version of the rental tax prohibition. She gave two reasons for her action, stating, “First this bill lacks any enforceable mechanism to ensure relief will be provided to renters. As noted by the legislature’s own attorney, provisions in the bill that purport to require that tax savings be passed on to renters face challenges under both the state and federal constitutions. If we are going to promise relief to renters, it’s important that we are able to ensure they actually receive it.”
The League of Arizona Cities & Towns – as well as several cities and towns across the state – opposed the updated bill as it progressed through the state legislature and through the Governor’s Office in 2023. The Senate passed the bill on March 2, then the House on May 15. The Senate then concurred with the amended proposal on June 13. SB 1131 was not transmitted to Governor Hobbs until July 31 – the same day that the Legislature approved the negotiated Prop 400 plan.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Nov 30, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A legal verdict for a case with national attention earned responses from some Arizona officials.
Last week, the trial for Laken Riley’s murderer concluded, with a guilty verdict and the sentence imposed. Riley, a young nursing student, rose to national prominence posthumously, after she was horrifically and tragically killed by an illegal immigrant on the campus of the University of Georgia.
Arizona State Senator Janae Shamp reacted to the news, writing, “Justice for Laken! I still don’t have the words to describe how sickened I’ve been following this trial, but the monster who killed her will now forever be behind bars! My heart hurts for Laken Riley’s family as there isn’t a verdict or sentence that will take away their pain and heartache.”
Shamp added, “Criminals and murderers don’t have a place in our country, and I pray no other family ever has to endure this type of horrific tragedy again. President Trump’s inauguration cannot come soon enough!”
In an exclusive comment to AZ Free News, Senate President Warren Petersen said, “While Laken Riley’s family received justice, they will forever live with this heartbreaking and senseless loss because the United States federal government failed to enforce the law and protect our citizens. We must do everything in our power to secure the border and remove these criminals from our communities to prevent similar heinous attacks from threatening innocent American lives. I’m confident President Trump and his Administration will do just that, and the Republican-led Arizona Legislature stands ready to help in this critical endeavor.”
State Senator Shawnna Bolick told AZ Free News that, “Far too often we have seen countless issues stem from illegal immigration, including the senseless murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. Throughout the investigation it was apparent no verdict could ease the pain of the community or the heartbreak felt by her loved ones from this tragic incident. While last week’s verdict closes the chapter of Laken’s death, another angel family has sadly been born. No parent should have to endure the loss of a child.”
Republican State Representative Travis Grantham said, “I’m glad the murderer has been convicted but he never should have been here to begin with. The entire Biden administration has her blood on their hands. What happened to her is a disgrace.”
President-Elect Donald J. Trump, who has promised to renew his efforts to secure the border when his second term in the White House begins in January, also responded to the verdict, saying, “JUSTICE FOR LAKEN RILEY! The Illegal who killed our beloved Laken Riley was just found GUILTY on all counts for his horrific crimes. Although the pain and heartbreak will last forever, hopefully this can help bring some peace and closure to her wonderful family who fought for Justice, and to ensure that other families don’t have to go through what they have. We love you, Laken, and our hearts will always be with you. It is time to secure our Border, and remove these criminals and thugs from our Country, so nothing like this can happen again!”
Most – if not all – of the reactions for this verdict from Arizona public officials appeared to be from Republicans, with Democrats remaining silent in the aftermath of this case.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Nov 10, 2024 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Bruce Cohen, the jurist overseeing the 2020 alternate electors case, has become the subject of intense scrutiny. Emails obtained by Rep. Travis Grantham revealed that the judge demanded that all of his fellow judges and commissioners defend Vice President Kamala Harris in the face of criticism that she was a “DEI hire.” Judge Cohen showed an openly racist bias and targeted men overall, white men in particular, by calling upon them to defend Harris and any colleagues identified as a “person of color.”
As reported by the Arizona Daily Independent, Cohen became offended by the emergence of rhetoric characterizing Harris as a “DEI hire,” despite President Joe Biden freely stating in 2020 that his criteria for selecting a Vice President were explicitly driven by race and gender. Biden told reporters at the time, “ I commit that I will, in fact, appoint a, pick a woman to be vice president,” and that he would select a candidate “of color and/or a different gender,” according to CNN.
Judge Cohen further objected to questions on Harris’ integrity that suggested she would conduct inappropriate relationships with top members of the cabinet or political figures, seemingly linked to her highly controversial relationship with then-speaker of the California State Willie Brown. Later, when Brown was elected Mayor of San Francisco, Harris would be catapulted into office as the district attorney of the state and county of San Francisco per Reuters.
In the email uncovered by Grantham, Cohen wrote:
“It does matter if your chromosomes are made up of ‘XY.’ It matters even more if your skin color is characterized as ‘white’ or Caucasian. We must speak out. We must tell those within our circles of influence that this s**t must stop. NOW! We cannot allow our female colleagues to feel as if they stand alone when there are those who may intimate that their ascension was anything other than based upon exceptionalism. We cannot allow our colleagues who identify as being a ‘person of color’ to stand alone when there are those may claim that their ascension was an ‘equity hire’ rather than based solely upon exceptionalism. We no longer can stay silent merely because others are exercising their right to free speech — we, too, have that same right and must exercise it.”
Cohen continued, equating the conduct and rhetoric of Harris’ detractors and any who refused to defend her to that of the Nazis of World War II, even drawing upon the historic horror of the Holocaust in a lopsidedly hyperbolic comparison.
“I have been reflecting on Martin Niemoller’s brilliant post-WWII essay known as ‘First they came for…’ While the subject matter of his commentary was one of the most horrific periods in world history, its instruction applies equally to present day events,” said Cohen. “When we cannot or do not stand with others, the words of Martin Niemoller are no longer a historic reference to the atrocities of WWII, those words describe the present.”
As reported by the Daily Independent, Cohen appeared to walk-back the email a day later with an apology of sorts, writing in a follow-up email: “Earlier this week I allowed my passion to cloud my judgment and sent an email using this as my forum,” said Cohen. “After reflection, I have come to realize that this was not proper use of this forum. I sincerely apologize to anyone put off or negatively impacted by my lapse of judgment.”
However, the damage may have already been done given that under the Arizona Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 1.2,” A judge shall act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary, and shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety.”
The code of conduct notably constrains jurists from political and campaign activities beyond the scope of judicial elections specifically prohibiting “any statement that would reasonably be expected to affect the outcome or impair the fairness of a matter pending or impending in any court; or in connection with cases, controversies, or issues that are likely to come before the court, make pledges, promises, or commitments that are inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties of judicial office.”
The outlet reported that two-days after the initial email to his colleagues, Cohen sent another directly referencing the ongoing trial against the 2020 Alternate Electors and deriding the defendents directly saying, “I am presiding over a case that involves a number of public officials, including some state senators. We had an all-day hearing yesterday and will have the same all day today,” said Cohen.
He continued making the unsubtle implication that the defendants would abuse their legislative power for their own convenience, blatantly impugning their character. He wrote:
“At the end of yesterday’s proceedings, one of the state senators approached my courtroom clerk and asked her to validate his parking. Is it possible that we will see parking validation added to the court’s allocated budget next year when the legislature passes our next budget and it will somehow be given retroactive application to [this day]?”
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen expressed concern in a post to X sharing the Daily Indpendent’s article regarding Cohen’s conduct and calling upon the judicial system to intervene writing, “Rule 2.11 of the judicial code says you must disqualify yourself if you cannot be impartial. His emails are anything but impartial. @azcourts why is this judge still on this case? Impartiality and fairness please!”
Arguments in the case against the Alternate Electors are scheduled to begin in January 2026, according to Politico. Cohen was appointed in 2005 by Democrat Gov. Janet Napolitano and has indicated he is nearing retirement according to reporting by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Daniel Stefanski | Sep 24, 2024 | Economy, News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A leading small business advocacy organization has presented several Arizona lawmakers with its top award.
Earlier this summer, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) presented a handful of Arizona legislators with its Guardian of Small Business Award. The individuals recognized with the award were as follows:
- Speaker of the House Ben Toma
- Representative David Livingston
- Representative Travis Grantham
- Senate President Warren Petersen
- Senator J.D. Mesnard
- Senator T.J. Shope
“These six lawmakers have gone above and beyond on behalf of Main Street Arizonans,” NFIB State Director Chad Heinrich said. “In this difficult economy, where costs continue to go up and open positions remain unfilled, it’s incumbent on lawmakers to not make it more difficult to own and operate a small business here in Arizona. Our members are grateful for each of these lawmakers’ commitment to free enterprise and sound policy.”
NFIB presented the award to Petersen in August.
NFIB presented the award to Shope in August.
NFIB presented the award to Mesnard in August.
NFIB presented the award to Toma earlier this month.
Toma responded to the award, stating, “Thank you. It is a great honor to be recognized by those dedicated to protecting and promoting small businesses.”
According to its website, “NFIB is the voice of small business, advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses, and remains so today.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
