Mohave Today

Arizona State Senator Anthony Kern has applauded Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee for her response to Governor Katie Hobbs' recent actions. Hobbs withdrew her nominations for various state agency directors, removing them from Senate consideration. Kern expressed his support for Yee's stance, stating, "I'm glad to see there is at least one State Agency who believes in our Constitution and the rule of law. Thank you, Kimberly Yee, for doing what is right by and for the people of Arizona!"

Hobbs alleges that the Senate intentionally delayed the consideration of her nominees. In a letter to Senate President Warren Peterson, she accused the Committee on Nominations, chaired by Senator Jake Hoffman, of conducting an improper review of her nominations. Hobbs asserts that the entire process is unlawful and declares her intention to "pursue other lawful means of ensuring the state government can work for Arizonans."

The Republican majority in the Senate holds the power to reject the governor's director nominees. Hobbs blames Senate Republicans for the situation, while they argue that Hobbs is acting unlawfully by nominating individuals deemed unworthy of consideration. The nominations committee previously approved Hobbs' choices for other departments, but they rejected her selection for the Arizona Department of Housing due to plagiarism allegations. This decision has sparked tension between the Democratic Governor and the Republican majority.

The withdrawn nominees were intended for various agencies, including lottery, tourism, environmental quality, insurance and financial institutions, gaming, housing, child safety, veteran services, and more. These nominees will now serve as executive deputy directors, a position they can hold for up to a year without confirmation, or until the Senate resumes the regular order of confirming nominees, as stated in Hobbs' letter.

Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee expressed her concerns about the chaos and confusion caused by the Governor's decision to withdraw the nominations. Yee stated, "Due to the recent actions of the Governor, I did not recognize employees from the Arizona Department of Administration or the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions as legally participating members at today’s State Board of Investment meeting. Yesterday’s decision by the Governor to pull the nominations of these cabinet-level positions has created chaos and confusion that is contrary to the orderly administration of government business. The absence of lawfully appointed directors of these two agencies creates legal uncertainty and jeopardizes the proceedings of the State Board of Investment."

Senate President Peterson criticized Hobbs' actions, stating, "This move by the Executive Branch showcases another prime example of an elected official who believes they're above the law and will go to extreme measures to bypass the requirements of the law when they don't get their way. The law is very specific on who is to run our state agencies. Without directors fulfilling these obligations, the legality of every decision made by these state agencies is dubious, and litigation against the state would surely prevail."

The dispute between Governor Hobbs and the Republican-controlled Senate continues to escalate, with both sides accusing each other of unlawful actions. The fate of the nominees and the functioning of the affected state agencies remain uncertain as the political battle rages on.