Arizona State Sen. Justine Wadsack (R-17), left, and Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) | AZLeg.gov / AZGovernor.gov
Arizona State Sen. Justine Wadsack (R-17), left, and Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) | AZLeg.gov / AZGovernor.gov
Arizona Sen. Justine Wadsack used platform X to criticize Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs' choice to declare a state of emergency due to escalating temperatures in the state. Hobbs issued this declaration on Aug. 11, shortly following the conclusion of the legislative session that ended on July 31.
"The Republican legislature saw this coming… and it has happened like clockwork," Wadsack tweeted. "Hobbs just declared a 'StAtE oF EmErGeNcY' over Arizona’s heat, and she waited to do so until AFTER we ended legislative session."
Hobbs' state of emergency encompasses three counties: Coconino, Pinal and Maricopa. The document pertains to the period from June 30 to July 30, creating the impression that the order expired before being issued. The state of emergency was initiated due to heat advisories and a consecutive 30-day span of heat risk, according to the document.
The declaration of a state of emergency has stirred substantial backlash and criticism, particularly from Republican lawmakers who have expressed their concerns and disapproval, Fox 10 reported.
"Helpful reminder as @katiehobbs uses 'heat deaths' as an excuse to call a state of emergency and take away your freedoms," said former candidate for governor of Arizona Kari Lake in a post on the X platform. "These people aren't dying because it's hot. They're overdosing on the meth that Hobbs and @JoeBiden are letting flow through our border."
Temperatures have soared to over 110 degrees, leading to 33 heat-related fatalities. As part of the state of emergency, a sum of $200,000 has been designated for the director of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management. This initiative is accompanied by an executive order outlining plans for additional cooling centers, proposing the establishment of future heat resiliency funds to tackle forthcoming weather-related requirements and more, according to Fox 10.
"So let me see if I'm reading this right?" Arizona Rep. Justin Heap said in a post on the X platform. "Today Katie Hobbs granted herself emergency powers that expired nine days ago? The $200,000 she's taking from the general fund is to retroactively cover expenses incurred before she granted herself powers? Or does it just go to buying the DeLorean and Flux Capacitor?"
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