Hobbs Blocks Gulf of America Bill, Slams GOP for Overreach

By Matthew Holloway |

Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed HB 2700 on Monday, a bill aimed at mandating the Arizona State Board of Education to include Geography in its high school graduation competency requirements. The bill specifically sought to define instruction regarding the Gulf of America.

In her veto letter addressed to Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro, Hobbs adopted a confrontational tone toward Republican leaders. She stated, “Today, I vetoed House Bill 2700. Arizonans want us to work together to lower costs, secure the border, create jobs, and protect public education. Instead of joining with me to do that, this Legislature has chosen to dictate how teachers refer to geographic features. I encourage you to refocus your time and energy on solving real problems for Arizonans.”

State Rep. Teresa Martinez (R-LD16) expressed a contrary perspective, emphasizing the need for patriotic education in schools. “It’s important to start teaching pro-America to our students. What better way to promote a patriotic country than to refer to it as the Gulf of America?” she remarked.

Despite her rejection of the bill, Hobbs implored Republican legislators to collaborate on pressing issues such as lowering costs and securing the border. This plea is notable given her recent vetoes of significant reforms in these areas.

In 2023, Hobbs vetoed SB 1184, which aimed to eliminate rental taxes that would reduce housing costs for many Arizonans. Senator Sonny Borrelli criticized her decision, asserting that she preferred cities to benefit from taxes rather than relieve financial strains on families.

On border security, Hobbs vetoed the Arizona Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement (ICE) Act (SB 1164) and another bill earlier this month, both of which mandated county detention facilities to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Hobbs faced backlash from Senate Majority Leader Janae Shamp (R-LD29) after vetoing SB 1584, which aimed to reform controversial hiring practices. Shamp stated, “The Governor’s veto demonstrates her support for discrimination, prioritizing unethical hiring practices over talent and hard work.”

Additionally, Hobbs vetoed SB 1050, a bipartisan initiative that would have directed tax revenues from Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET) to schools. Senator Vince Leach (R-LD17) lamented the decision, calling it a missed opportunity for education funding.

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