North Pima News

Arizona State Rep. Rachel Jones has accused Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) of taking credit for a tax rebate endorsed by the Arizona Freedom Caucus.

"It's just wonderful when Democrats take credit for something they literally had nothing to do with or were even opposed to," said Jones.

Governor Hobbs declared on platform X that, "I promised to make it easier for Arizonans to provide for their families and manage rising costs," and announced the one-time Arizona Families Tax Rebate as a means of delivering on this promise. Hobb said, "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."

The Arizona Families Tax Rebait was introduced by Arizona State Sen. Jake Hoffman, who chairs the Arizona Freedom Caucus. Despite Hobbs's opposition, and her preference for a permanent tax rebate aimed at lower-income individuals, this proposal comprised a $260 million one-time tax credit which provided $250 for each child under 17 and $100 for dependents aged 17 and older. A statement titled "Governor Hobbs puts money back into Arizonans' pockets" was released by the Governor's office. According to the Arizona Capitol Times, lawmakers included specific language in the legislation aimed at preventing the Democratic governor from claiming responsibility.

The State Freedom Caucus is affiliated with nationwide groups linked with the House Freedom Caucus. These groups are founded on principles outlined in the 10th amendment of the United States Constitution: "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 aims at helping establish such Caucuses across different states and provides high-level staff, strategy, and community conservatives need across various regions in America according to SFC documentation. In Arizona, Hoffman serves as chair, while State Rep. Jacqueline Parker occupies vice chair position, both being Republican lawmakers.

Fountain Hills Councilman Allen Skillicorn shared his views on platform X saying, "Love how Hobbs is taking credit for the work of the AZ Freedom Caucus," and added, "Conservative ideas are so good, dems try to steal them after fighting against them. Conservative ideas just work better."