It seems as if almost everyone wants to know what Governor Katie Hobbs has done with the more than $1 million she raised for her inauguration, but she is not telling. Now, the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, David Livingston, is demanding answers.
Livingston sent letters on Monday to Hobbs and her campaign manager, Nicole DeMont, seeking information related to funds that were solicited and donated for the purpose of funding inauguration events hosted at the Capitol in early January.
Livingston is specifically asking for a complete and accurate accounting of the funds, as well as any documents and other records associated with their solicitation.
Livingston says that while some donor and donation information has been made available, the disclosure so far is incomplete, fueling concerns over Governor Hobbs’ commitment to transparency and public accountability.
In his letter, Livingston asks Governor Hobbs to state her intention with regard to the unused inauguration funds. A letter sent in January from House Speaker Ben Toma and Senate President Warren Petersen urged Hobbs to follow in her predecessors’ footsteps and transfer the leftover money in the Inaugural Fund to the state’s Protocol Fund. The Governor has so far refused to do so and has not responded to the letter. And recent reports indicate that Hobbs raised far more than the $1.5 million reported so far, and has not yet disclosed all of the donor names.
Chairman Livingston is seeking a complete accounting of the funds in connection with the House’s potential consideration of S.B. 1299 and any other related legislation:
Dear Governor Hobbs,
As you know, the 56th Legislature is well into its First Regular Session. The Arizona House of Representatives (“House”) has already heard hundreds of bills in various Committee hearings and will soon consider bills transmitted to the House from the Arizona State Senate.
To that end, I have serious concerns relating to the procurement of funds that appear to have been solicited and donated for the purpose of sponsoring Inauguration events hosted at the Capitol in early January. It is my understanding that you or your campaign manager publicly disclosed some of the donors and the amounts of their donations several weeks ago, but this disclosure is incomplete. And you have not confirmed whether you intend to transfer the leftover inaugural funds to the State’s protocol fund governed by A.R.S. § 41-1105, as former governors have done. If my understanding is incorrect, please let me know.
You may be aware that Senate Bill (“S.B.”) 1299 is scheduled for a committee hearing on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. S.B. 1299 would promote transparency by requiring the Governor’s office to publish on its website, within 15 days after an inauguration ceremony, information detailing each organization that organized, supported, or funded the ceremony.
To determine whether S.B. 1299 or any other legislation regulating the solicitation, disclosure, or use of inauguration funds may be appropriate, I am requesting you or your designated agent to provide me with the following information:
- A complete and accurate accounting of all deposits to and withdrawals from the “State Inaugural Fund” from November 1, 2022, to February 13, 2023, including the date, amount, and purpose of each transaction.
- All documents, emails, and other records created, sent, or received, from November 1, 2022, to February 13, 2023, associated with the advertisement or solicitation of funds procured for the “State Inaugural Fund.”
- The 2022 Annual Report of the Governor’s Protocol Fund, required by A.R.S. § 41-l105(E).1
You are welcome to submit any other documents or information relevant to this inquiry. Given that the deadlines for proposed legislation are rapidly approaching, I am requesting production of this information no later than 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2023.
Alternatively, if you or your agent would prefer to present this information in person rather than submitting it in writing, I invite you or your agent to provide a brief presentation or testimony on this topic at the House Appropriations Committee Hearing on Monday, February 20, 2023.
Please let me. know your preference and feel free to contact me if you have any questions &bout this request.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
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