The Center Square reported that journalists at Hobbs’ press conference in March 2024 announcing the program questioned whether awarding funds to private organizations violated the gift clause in Arizona’s Constitution. It states, “Neither the state, nor any county, city, town, municipality, or other subdivision of the state shall ever give or loan its credit in the aid of, or make any donation or grant, by subsidy or otherwise, to any individual, association, or corporation, or become a subscriber to, or a shareholder in, any company or corporation, or become a joint owner with any person, company, or corporation, except as to such ownerships as may accrue to the state by operation or provision of law or as authorized by law solely for investment of the monies in the various funds of the state.”
Tucson.com noted that in Hobbs’ letter to Arizonans informing them of the forgiveness, she took credit. “And if there was any doubt about Hobbs seeking credit, the letter directed taxpayers to azgovernor.gov which is the governor’s web site,” the news site said.
However, legislation regarding the Arizona families tax relief appeared to prohibit Hobbs from taking credit. “No letter relating to the Arizona families tax rebate issued under this section shall be sent from the governor’s office, be sent on the governor’s letterhead or reference the governor’s office,’’ the law said.
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