Grand Canyon Times

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has vetoed another proposal from the Republican Legislature, issuing them a warning to give her bills that have “bipartisan support” or else she will continue to add to her record number of vetoes this year.

"I just vetoed the partisan Prop 400 bill that fails to adequately support Arizona's economic growth and does nothing to attract new business or create good-paying jobs," Hobbs wrote in a June 20 Twitter post. "I strongly encourage the Legislature to vote on the compromise supported by a bipartisan majority in the House and Senate, business and labor leaders, and Maricopa County mayors."

This tweet was an echo of the press release from her office issued on June 20, which detailed the veto of SB1246. “I’m dedicated to continuing Arizona’s economic growth, building and attracting businesses, and creating good-paying jobs for Arizona workers,” Hobbs said. “Stop playing partisan politics, stop holding Arizona’s economy hostage, and put the bipartisan compromise up for a vote.” The press release featured statements of support from mayors Kenn Weise (Avondale), John Giles (Mesa) and Kate Gallego (Phoenix).

“This is gobbledygook for 'Give us a slush fund for our pet projects or else,'” The Arizona Free Enterprise Club tweeted in response to Hobbs' Twitter post.

According to AZ Central, SB1246 was passed by the House and Senate and placed on the Governor’s desk on June 14. Hobbs has vetoed at least 143 bills this year, the most in the state’s history. The bill was to put a proposal on a ballot for county voters to extend the half cent sales tax used to fund transportation projects like freeways, other roads and public transportation. The existing half cent tax, known as Proposition 400, will expire in 2025 unless a new bill approving the tax goes to election and is also approved by voters.