FEMA has denied Arizona’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following September floods in Gila and Mohave Counties, citing the damage was not severe enough to warrant federal assistance. Arizona officials had estimated losses to be around $33 million due to the devastating floods. Governor Katie Hobbs criticized the decision, stating the damage exceeded thresholds typically used for federal aid, and vowed to appeal the denial. Local residents and officials in Globe expressed surprise and disappointment at the denial, highlighting the significant impact the floods had on their community.
Read More
Arizona residents are benefiting from a program that has wiped out over $642 million in medical debt, with the latest round exceeding $200 million. This initiative, spearheaded by Governor Katie Hobbs, utilizes state funds to purchase medical debt from healthcare providers for a fraction of its original value. The program targets individuals with incomes below 400% of the federal poverty level or those whose debt constitutes a significant portion of their income. Recipients receive letters acknowledging the debt relief and crediting both Undue Medical and Governor Hobbs for their financial reprieve.
Read More
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed three anti-transgender bills passed by the Republican-controlled legislature. These bills targeted transgender individuals’ ability to change birth certificates, restricted DEI initiatives in higher education and state agencies, and further limited transgender rights in public life. Hobbs, a vocal opponent of such legislation, cited the bills’ negative impact on the state and its workforce in her veto statements. Her actions blocked these measures, which passed along strict party lines, from becoming law.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker