Grand Canyon Times

Steve Cortes, president of the League of American Workers (LAW) said Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-29) will help keep Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) "in check" for the remainder of her term. 

Cortes' comments were in response to Montenegro's announcement of the members of a new Arizona House Ad Hoc Committee on Executive Budget Mismanagement.

"Arizonans will replace the radical Katie Hobbs," Cortes posted on X. "Until then, patriots like my friend, rising star of America First, Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro, will keep her in check."

The new ad hoc committee will include Republican Representatives Matt Gress (Chair), Justin Olson (Vice Chair), Michael Way, Nick Kupper, Neal Carter, and Selina Bliss; alongside Democratic Representatives Nancy Gutierrez, Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, and Kevin Volk.

The committee's primary task is to review current-year executive agency programs and the Governor’s January Executive Budget proposal. Their goal is to develop recommendations for managing cost overruns and preventing the collapse of state services due to financial mismanagement.

"I appreciate Speaker Montenegro’s confidence in asking me to chair this committee," said Chairman Gress. "The Executive’s proper implementation and management of the state budget is of critical importance to ensure our investments truly benefit the people of Arizona. Our role is to focus on the facts and the figures, and to deliver transparency for taxpayers."

Speaker Montenegro established this committee following a series of financial failures attributed to the Hobbs administration. Recent issues included near-bankruptcy in the Department of Child Safety’s Congregate Care program until legislative Republicans intervened. Similar budget shortfalls were noted in other programs such as Developmental Disabilities and AHCCCS.

"We’re seeing a complete breakdown in basic budget planning," Speaker Montenegro said. "Governor Hobbs’ pattern is to overspend, under plan, and wait until the last possible moment to admit failure. House Republicans are stepping in to protect taxpayers, ensure responsible spending, and keep essential services running—not to rubber stamp more of the same."

Details regarding the first meeting of this committee are expected soon.

Information from this article can be found here.