Coconino News

Arizona Representative Austin Smith recently criticized Governor Katie Hobbs for her claim to a tax rebate initiative championed by the Arizona Freedom Caucus. "Happy Nov. 1st. Katie Hobbs didn’t want the Arizona families tax rebate led by the Arizona Freedom Caucus, in fact, she tried to strip it from the budget and lost. Law says she can’t take any credit anyway", said Austin Smith.

According to platform X, Governor Hobbs had previously stated that her goal was to alleviate the financial burden on Arizonans. "I promised to make it easier for Arizonans to provide for their families and manage rising costs," said Hobbs, "This week, I’m pleased to make good on that promise by announcing qualifying Arizonans can apply for our one-time Arizona Families Tax Rebate. These Family First Funds are a way to recognize your contributions to our thriving state, and I could not be more excited to put money back in your pocket."

However, despite Governor Hobb's claims of credit for this initiative, Senator Jake Hoffman of the Arizona Freedom Caucus initially introduced the Arizona Families Tax Rebate. Contrary to Hobb's support of a continuous tax rebate aimed at lower-income individuals, Hoffman's proposal comprised of a $260 million one-off tax credit that would offer $250 per child under 17 and $100 per dependant aged 17 or older. The Governor's office also issued an announcement titled "Governor Hobbs puts money back into Arizonans' pockets." Specific verbiage was included within this legislation in an attempt by lawmakers from preventing Democratic governor Hobbs from claiming credit as reported by the Arizona Capitol Times.

The State Freedom Caucus is affiliated with a nationwide coalition called House Freedom Caucus which base its principles upon those found in the United States Constitution’s 10th amendment: "Those powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." The State Freedom Caucus has committed to "help establish State Freedom Caucuses (SFC) and provide the high-level staff, strategy, and community conservatives need to take ground across the country," as per the SFC. Hoffman holds the position of chair in Arizona, with State Rep. Jacqueline Parker serving as vice chair.

Fountain Hills Councilman Allen Skillicorn voiced his disapproval regarding Governor Hobbs' claims on platform X. He pointed out that "Love how Hobbs is taking credit for the work of the AZ Freedom Caucus," said Skillicorn. "Conservative ideas are so good, dems try to steal them after fighting against them. Conservative ideas just work better."