Since Governor Katie Hobbs took office in January 2023, Arizona has experienced a significant decline in job growth rankings, according to an opinion piece from Republican legislative leaders. The state dropped from eighth to 47th in the nation for job growth over three legislative sessions. The Arizona Republic recently reported concerns among job seekers, noting that “Arizona’s economic juggernaut has been slowing, casting shadows over job prospects around the state.”
Republican lawmakers attribute this downturn to Governor Hobbs’ use of her veto power. They argue that previous administrations under Governors Doug Ducey and Jan Brewer promoted pro-growth policies, which helped elevate Arizona’s national profile. “Hobbs inherited that strong foundation but has steadily dismantled it with veto after veto,” the statement reads.
Earlier this year, House Republicans introduced a Majority Plan focused on economic prosperity as a central goal for the legislative session. “We believe protecting every Arizonan’s chance to pursue the American Dream starts with an economy that works for everyone. Yet with her veto stamp, Hobbs has chosen big government control over economic freedom and opportunity, pushing Arizona behind while other states surge ahead,” Republican leaders stated.
The opinion highlights several instances where Governor Hobbs blocked legislation intended to lower costs and support small businesses. One example cited is her veto of a measure passed by the Legislature in 2023 to eliminate taxes on food for home consumption. According to Republicans, “Without that veto, Arizonans would be paying less for food today.”
On housing policy, lawmakers reference the bipartisan Arizona Starter Homes Act aimed at increasing affordable housing options through zoning reforms. The statement says: “In 2024, the Legislature passed a bipartisan solution—the Arizona Starter Homes Act—but Governor Hobbs sided with bureaucrats and used her veto stamp again.” Additionally, they criticize her decision to impose a housing moratorium in fast-growing communities such as Buckeye and Queen Creek without consulting legislators. They claim these actions are projected to cost thousands of jobs and billions in lost income over the next decade.
Small business initiatives were also affected by gubernatorial vetoes, according to Republicans. Legislation supporting home-based businesses was rejected by Hobbs in 2023: “She has shown the same hostility toward free enterprise by opposing measures to help food trucks and tamale vendors, further damaging Arizona’s ‘open-for-business’ legacy.” Similar criticisms were leveled regarding bills related to blockchain technology and digital assets.
The statement concludes: “Arizonans deserve better than 47th place. Republicans in the Legislature will continue working to empower job creators and job seekers. Governor, it’s time to put away the veto stamp and work with us to restore Arizona’s standing as a national leader in economic growth.”
Michael Carbone is among those voicing these concerns; he was elected as a Republican representative for Arizona’s 25th House District in 2023 following Michelle Udall’s tenure.
