by Matthew Holloway | May 27, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
An investigation by Republican Reps. David Marshall, Walt Blackman, and Quang Nguyen found that the City of Phoenix has distributed over $28.5 million of taxpayer funding to more than 100 private organizations with a shocking lack of oversight. Now, the Goldwater Institute is asking Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes to intervene and stop what it termed an “unlawful spending spree.”
Citing the legislative findings, the Goldwater Institute alleges that “Organizations like the Phoenix Film Foundation, Phoenix Pride Inc, Mexican Baseball Fiesta LLC, the Arizona Science Center’s Galaxy Gala, and many others received subsidies—sometimes simultaneously by multiple departments—under questionable labels like ‘Sponsorships,’ ‘Grants and Subsidies,’ ‘Emerg[ency] Assist[ance],’ or ‘Miscellaneous.’ The city has no lawful authority to spend public money in this way.”
Parker Jackson, a staff attorney at the Goldwater Institute, said in a statement, “This effectively turns large portions of the city’s budget into a patchwork of slush funds that special interests can access in the sole discretion of a single city employee. Amazingly, the city ‘does not track donations by nonprofit status,’ so it does not know exactly how much taxpayer money has been funneled out through this opaque process.”
The reported “Sponsorships,” “Grants and Subsidies,” “Emerg[ency] Assist[ance],” or “Miscellaneous” donations run afoul of the Arizona State Constitution’s Gift Clause according to Jackson in a letter to the Attorney General co-signed by Jon Riches, the Goldwater’s Vice President for Litigation.
Riches wrote, “Most—if not all—of these expenditures appear to violate the Arizona Constitution’s Gift Clause, which strictly prohibits use of public funds to benefit private, special interests. Not only is it doubtful that these allocations serve a legitimate public purpose, but there also appears to be no direct or measurable consideration received in return for this use of public resources.”
The Arizona Constitution under Article 9 Section 7 states, “Neither the state, nor any county, city, town, municipality, or other subdivision of the state shall ever give or loan its credit in the aid of, or make any donation or grant, by subsidy or otherwise, to any individual, association, or corporation, or become a subscriber to, or a shareholder in, any company or corporation, or become a joint owner with any person, company, or corporation, except as to such ownerships as may accrue to the state by operation or provision of law or as authorized by law solely for investment of the monies in the various funds of the state.”
The Goldwater attorneys have called on Mayes to “[e]njoin the illegal payment of public monies” and to “[r]ecover illegally paid public monies,” under A.R.S. § 41-194.01 and A.R.S. § 35-212 respectively.
Jackson wrote in a Goldwater Institute press release that the finding by the Arizona legislature may seem familiar to keen observers: “If treating taxpayers as financiers for private entities—even controversial and ideological ones—sounds familiar, that’s because it mirrors what has been exposed throughout the federal government this year. For example, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was aptly described as ‘a slush fund for leftist priorities’ after the White House exposed decades of waste and abuse in that agency.”
In a video posted to X, Jackson said, “At the end of the day, public dollars should be used for public purposes… not to enrich special interests at a bureaucrat’s whim.”
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 | Feb 22, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A bill to better look after the interests of Arizona’s children passed one chamber of the Arizona Legislature.
On Monday, the Arizona House of Representatives approved HB 2079 “to streamline the guardian process and prioritize minors’ best interests [by] strengthen[ing] guardianship procedures, remov[ing] bureaucratic delays, and prioritiz[ing] stable homes for children.”
HB 2079 received an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 56-3 (with one member not voting) to ensure its passage over to the state Senate.
In a statement that accompanied the announcement of the bill’s progress, State Representative Walt Blackman, the legislation’s sponsor, said, “This bill is about one thing and one thing only: putting kids first. We won’t let politics or outdated legal hurdles prevent children from getting the care and stability they need. WE are ensuring that guardianship decisions are made swiftly, fairly, and in the best interest of the child – not based on bureaucracy or red tape.”
According to the press release that was issued by the Arizona House Republicans, the bill would do the following:
- “Ensur[e] guardianship decisions are made based on the child’s best interest, not legal loopholes.
- “Allow 16- and 17-year-olds without parental support to have a clearer pathway to guardianship.
- “Protect minors from unnecessary delays by permitting courts to extend temporary guardianships when needed.
- “Ensur[e] due diligence in locating a child’s living parent while prioritizing stability over red tape.”
Blackman added, “For too long, kids in Arizona have fallen through the cracks because of slow-moving legal procedures and unnecessary court delays. We need to be proactive in protecting and supporting them, not making them wait for a system that doesn’t always work in their favor.”
If signed into law, the bill would “also ensure that minors 16 and older, who are not part of an open dependency case, have a greater say in their future. By recognizing their unique circumstances, the bill allows courts to grant guardianship when no willing or able parent is present, preventing unnecessary hardships for vulnerable youth.”
On the Arizona Legislature’s Request to Speak system, a representative from Homeless Youth Connection signed in to support the proposal.
Last month, the bill was approved by the House Government Committee with a unanimous 7-0 vote.
HB 2079 will now be considered by the Arizona Senate in the next stop in its legislative journey.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Feb 18, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A bill to provide better support to Arizona families has cleared a legislative hurdle.
Last week, the Arizona House of Representatives Government Committee passed HB 2216 “to establish the Positive Alternatives for Pregnancy and Parenting Grant Program within the Arizona Department of Health Services. The bill was sponsored by State Representative Walt Blackman.
According to the release from Blackman, the proposal “advances efforts to provide real, practical support for women and families facing unplanned pregnancies by funding nonprofit organizations that offer medical care, parenting education, adoption assistance, and essential resources like clothing, car seats, and housing support.” If signed into law, HB 2216 would “establish strict accountability measures, requiring annual audits and reports to ensure responsible use of grant funds; [and] prohibit funds from being used for political or religious purposes while ensuring all participating organizations protect client privacy in compliance with state and federal laws.”
In a statement that accompanied the announcement of the bill’s progress, Representative Blackman said, “HB 2216 helps make sure women and families have the resources they need to choose life and build a strong future. Too often, women facing unplanned pregnancies feel like they have nowhere to turn. This program sees they have access to real help – prenatal care, parenting classes, material support, and housing assistance – without pressure or political agendas. We’re putting Arizona families first by funding organizations that empower mothers and protect the most vulnerable among us.”
On the Arizona Legislature’s Request to Speak system, representatives from the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, National Association of Social Workers – Arizona Chapter, Arizona Center for Women’s Advancement, Camelback Family Planning, National Council of Jewish Women, Pro-Choice Arizona Action Fund, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona, Arizona National Organization for Women (NOW), and American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, all signed in to oppose the bill.
HB 2216 passed the Senate Government Committee along party lines with a 4-3 vote. It will soon be considered by the full chamber of the Arizona House of Representatives.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Feb 7, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A coalition of Arizona legislators are taking steps to improve the state’s wildfire mitigation efforts.
This week, State Representative Lupe Diaz, the Chairman of the House Committee on Land, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs, updated constituents on the progress of bills in the Arizona Legislature, which are meant “to protect lives, property, and communities from the growing threat of catastrophic wildfires.”
Those bills include:
- HB 2201, which was sponsored by Representative Griffin. The bill “requires utilities to develop and submit biennial Wildfire Mitigation Plans, which include clearing hazardous vegetation around power lines to prevent utility-caused wildfires.”
- HB 2219, which was sponsored by Representative Marshall; HB 2395, HB 2398, and HB 2400, which were sponsored by Representative Blackman; and HB 2694, which was sponsored by Representative Griffin. These bills “allocate funding for fire contingency planning and wildland firefighting efforts in Arizona’s high-risk areas.”
- HB 2456, which was sponsored by Representative Marshall. This bill would “establish fire incident management grants to assist districts across the state.”
- HB 2577, which was sponsored by Representative Griffin. The bill “cuts red tape to give the State Forester more flexibility to protect communities.”
- HB 2639, which was sponsored by Representative Griffin. This bill “extends the ‘healthy forest’ tax incentive to encourage responsible forest thinning and prevent catastrophic fires.”
In a statement, Representative Diaz said, “Public safety is more than law enforcement and border security – it means defending our communities from preventable disasters. Arizona has seen what happens when wildfires are mismanaged in places like California. We refuse to let that happen here. Our plan prioritizes proactive fire mitigation efforts, responsible forest management, and ensuring that Arizonans are protected when disaster strikes.”
Diaz added, “Preventing wildfires means enacting responsible management before disaster strikes. We are working with state agencies, local officials, and private utilities to get boots on the ground, clear hazardous areas, and stop wildfires before they start. This is what leadership looks like, and it’s exactly what Arizonans expect from us.”
Governor Katie Hobbs did not mention plans to address wildfire mitigation efforts in her State of the State address to the Arizona Legislature at the beginning of the 57th Regular Session last month. Chairman Diaz’s release highlights that the Democrat governor’s “proposed budget offers zero funding for hazardous vegetation removal or forest thinning despite recognizing that wildland fire costs have been ‘much higher in recent years’ due to neglected forest maintenance.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Jan 15, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
As the Arizona Legislature revs into another session, one Republican member is looking to protect the state’s military veterans.
Last week, State Representative Walt Blackman introduced HB 2030 to “strengthen penalties for impersonating a veteran for personal gain.” According to Blackman’s press release, this legislation would “combat fraudulent claims of military service and protect the integrity of veteran status within Arizona,” making this proposal “the most comprehensive state-level response to stolen valor to date.”
In a statement that accompanied his release, Blackman said, “We cannot allow the honorable service and sacrifice of our military men and women to be undermined by deceitful actors. This legislation sends a clear message that Arizona will not tolerate stolen valor in any form. By holding individuals accountable for misrepresenting their military status for personal, political, or financial gain, we uphold the integrity of our veterans’ contributions and the trust of our citizens.”
Per Representative Blackman’s press release, the bill would “create strong deterrents against impersonating a veteran, targeting fraudulent activities such as:
- Claiming military service or awards to obtain employment, government contracts, or veterans benefits.
- Using false veteran status to gain votes, campaign contributions, or political advantages.
- Falsifying or altering military documents, combat-related badges or awards.
Penalties range from a Class 4 felony to a Class 2 felony for offenses involving high-value benefits. The bill also mandates the removal of public officials convicted under the law.”
The release also shared that the bill would “build on the federal Stolen Valor Act of 2013 by addressing gaps in federal law and expand protections at the state level, [using] Arizona’s authority under the 10th Amendment to focus on fraudulent conduct affecting state programs, elections, and institutions.”
Representative Blackman is a decorated United States Army veteran, serving twenty-one years in the military. He earned the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal for his service to the nation. Blackman is the Chairman of the House Committee on Government.
‘Veterans Issues’ was one of the priorities listed on Blackman’s campaign website. He wrote, “As a veteran myself, I am committed to addressing the unique challenges veterans face in Arizona and proving them with the necessary support and resources.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
