North Pima News

Arizona Rep. Justin Heap used platform X to criticize Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs' choice to declare a state of emergency due to escalating temperatures in the state. Hobbs made this declaration on August 11, along with issuing an executive order outlining future heat response measures.

"So let me see if I'm reading this right? Today Katie Hobbs granted herself Emergency Powers that expired 9 days ago?" Heap said on the social media site. "The $200,000 she's taking from the general fund is to retroactively cover expenses incurred before she granted herself powers? Or does it just go to buying the DeLorean & Flux Capacitor?"

Hobbs' State of Emergency encompasses three counties: Coconino, Pinal, and Maricopa. The document, which lacks clarity, pertains to the period from June 30, 2023, to July 30, 2023, creating an impression that the order expired before being issued. The State of Emergency was initiated due to heat advisories and a consecutive 30-day span of heat risk, according to the document.

The declaration of a State of Emergency has stirred substantial backlash and criticism, particularly from Republican lawmakers who have expressed their concerns and disapproval. 

"Helpful reminder as @katiehobbs uses "heat deaths" as an excuse to call a State of Emergency & take away your freedoms," said former candidate for Governor of Arizona Kari Lake in a post on the X platform. "These people aren't dying because it's hot. They're overdosing on the meth that Hobbs & @JoeBiden are letting flow through our border."

"The Republican legislature saw this coming… and it has happened like clockwork," wrote Arizona Senator Wadsack on to the X platform. "Hobbs just declared a “StAtE oF EmErGeNcY” over Arizona’s heat, and she waited to do so until AFTER we ended legislative session… hmmm, I wonder what’s next?"

Temperatures have soared to over 110 degrees, leading to 33 heat-related fatalities. As part of the State of Emergency, a sum of $200,000 has been designated for the Director of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management. This initiative is accompanied by an executive order outlining plans for additional cooling centers, proposing the establishment of future heat resiliency funds to tackle forthcoming weather-related requirements, and more, according to Fox News.