Governor Hobbs Blocks Tax Relief for Arizona Workers, Then Walks Away From Negotiations

FGA calls on governor to return to negotiating table, pass needed welfare reform and tax cuts

PHOENIX, AZ — With Arizona’s fiscal year set to begin June 30 and no approved budget in place, the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is calling on Governor Katie Hobbs to return to negotiations and stop blocking tax relief for Arizona workers.

The budget Governor Hobbs vetoed would have allowed tipped workers and those earning overtime pay to keep more of the money they earn; strengthened the safety net for the truly needy; and protected taxpayers from fraud, waste, and abuse in the state’s welfare programs.

The core reforms in the vetoed budget have overwhelming bipartisan support from Arizona voters, according to recent polling, and would have delivered more than $1.45 billion in tax relief for working families. Despite this, Governor Hobbs vetoed the package and left negotiations entirely.

“Arizonans work hard for their money—they shouldn’t have to fight their own governor to keep more of it,” said Mimi Greene, State Government Affairs Director for FGA. “The message from Arizona voters was clear: Protect taxpayers, reward work, and make sure government programs serve the people they were designed to help. Governor Hobbs isn’t just walking away from lawmakers. She’s walking away from Arizona workers who expected action and accountability. It’s time to come back to the table.”

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The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is a non-profit think tank that promotes public policy solutions in all 50 states to create opportunities for every American to experience the American Dream. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org.