Hobbs Rejects GOP Proposals on Unemployment Benefits and Abortion Services

In a sweeping decision, Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed 87 measures from state lawmakers, emphasizing her administration’s commitment to protecting social support systems.

Among the rejected proposals was a significant bill aimed at reducing the duration of unemployment benefits. Currently, Arizonans can receive support for up to 26 weeks, contingent upon the unemployment rate. The controversial measure sought to limit benefits to just 12 weeks when the jobless rate falls below 5%. Arizona’s current unemployment rate stands at 4.1%.

Hobbs justified her veto, citing concerns that job seekers often require more than 12 weeks to secure employment. Notably, she pointed out the disparities in joblessness across the state, highlighting Yuma County’s rate of 11.2% as an example of regional variations.

Another bill would have added stipulations to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), potentially creating further barriers for recipients. Hobbs noted that existing work requirements are already in place and that additional hurdles would not foster greater opportunity for struggling families. She argued for the expansion of voluntary job training programs instead.

In addition, a proposal requiring abortion providers to direct clients to adoption services was rejected. Hobbs described the bill as one-sided, particularly after the recent repeal of restrictive abortion laws, asserting that it would impede access to comprehensive reproductive health information.

The governor also denied a bill aimed at protecting county supervisors from criminal charges related to election certification. This veto followed indictments against two Cochise County supervisors for allegedly obstructing election processes. Hobbs expressed a commitment to safeguarding electoral integrity over political protection.

Other rejected legislation included measures to regulate election equipment, mandate voting precincts, and require redundant ballot audits—each dismissed by Hobbs as impractical or based on misinformation.