Governor Katie Hobbs was excoriated on social media on Tuesday after taking credit for the deployment of the Arizona Families Tax Rebate, a program created by Republican lawmakers, and opposed by Hobbs herself.
Nearly 750,000 Arizona families will benefit from the first rebate of its kind, made possible by the Republican-led budget passed in the 2023 Legislative Session.
Eligible families will have an opportunity to receive up to $750 in tax rebates.
Republican lawmakers blasted the Governor on Twitter:
Senator T.J. Shope tweeted, “I know the Governor wanted no part of this tax rebate but thankfully, the @AZSenateGOP & @AZHouseGOP caucuses, led by the @AZFreedomCaucus, stood strong and demanded it be part of the State Budget. When we stick together, we can provide positive things for Arizona’s families. #AZLeg.”
I know the Governor wanted no part of this tax rebate but thankfully, the @AZSenateGOP & @AZHouseGOP caucuses, led by the @AZFreedomCaucus, stood strong and demanded it be part of the State Budget. When we stick together, we can provide positive things for Arizona’s families.… https://t.co/JP2VndTeKU
— T.J. Shope (@TJShope) October 31, 2023
Rep. Steve Montenegro tweeted, “Seeing lots of tweets pointing out Governor Hobbs opposed these rebates and did not want them at all. I choose to accept this video as her way of admitting she was wrong to oppose tax relief for Arizona families and is glad the #GOP got it done!”
Seeing lots of tweets pointing out Governor Hobbs opposed these rebates and did not want them at all. I choose to accept this video as her way of admitting she was wrong to oppose tax relief for Arizona families and is glad the #GOP got it done! @AZGOP @AZHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/LfqJ5xzOz9
— Steve Montenegro (@SteveMontenegro) November 1, 2023
Rep. Austin Smith tweeted, “Thank you @AZFreedomCaucus ! Not ONE Arizona House or Senate Democrat contributed to the Arizona Families Tax Rebate Package!
Thank you @AZFreedomCaucus! Not ONE Arizona House or Senate Democrat contributed to the Arizona Families Tax Rebate Package! https://t.co/tfvqELChAw
— Rep. Austin Smith (@azaustinsmith) October 31, 2023
Conservative political consultant, Same Stone tweeted, “Taking credit for something you fought against tooth and nail is pathetic.”
Taking credit for something you fought against tooth and nail is pathetic https://t.co/2kGdFyYfsa
— Sam Stone (@SamThePol) October 31, 2023
With the White House and Governor’s office both in Democrat hands, inflation and looming recession fears loom large as the 2024 election draws near. So it makes sense for politicians to take credit for any economic relief, making the Governor’s pivot a logical move, even if it exposes her to charges of hypocrisy.