Tucson Standard

Arizona Senator Justine Wadsack expressed her disagreement with Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs for taking credit for a tax rebate endorsed by the Arizona Freedom Caucus. "The Arizona Family Tax Rebate was created by the Arizona Freedom Caucus, contributed to by many of the Republicans, and Hobbs was against it. Now she wants to take credit for it… illegally. Not one Democrat contributed to it. You’re all a bunch of frauds.", said Justine Wadsack.

Governor Hobbs claimed otherwise regarding the tax rebate initiative. "I promised to make it easier for Arizonans to provide for their families and manage rising costs," said Hobbs, according to platform X. "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, according to facts laid out by the Arizona Capitol Times, it was actually Senator Jake Hoffman, chair of the Arizona Freedom Caucus, who introduced the Arizona Families Tax Rebate. Despite opposing this rebate and favoring a permanent tax rebate targeted at lower-income individuals instead, Governor Hobbs released a statement titled "Governor Hobbs puts money back into Arizonans' pockets." The article further detailed how lawmakers included specific language in legislation aiming at preventing the Democratic governor from claiming credit.

Providing insight into its operations and constitution, The State Freedom Caucus is affiliated with nationwide organizations like House Freedom Caucus based on principles outlined in the 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 people." It has been committed toward establishing State Freedom Caucuses (SFC) and providing conservatives with high-level staff and strategic assistance, according to the SFC. In Arizona, Hoffman serves as chair, while State Rep. Jacqueline Parker is the vice-chair.

Echoing Wadsack's disapproval was Fountain Hills Councilman Allen Skillicorn who criticized Hobbs for taking undue credit. "Love how Hobbs is taking credit for the work of the AZ Freedom Caucus," said Skillicorn on platform X. "Conservative ideas are so good, dems try to steal them after fighting against them. Conservative ideas just work better."