Arizona State Senator Jake Hoffman (R-Queen Creek) released a statement Friday celebrating the upcoming tax rebates Arizonans will receive based on the State Budget passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Katie Hobbs (D).
“Gas, groceries, housing, and energy prices have surged over the past three years since Democrats took control of the federal government,” Hoffman said. “This is the first time in at least 30 years our state lawmakers have been able to step up to the plate to provide a tax rebate of this magnitude for our citizens. I’m proud of the leadership of the Arizona Freedom Caucus, and for the support of our Republican colleagues, to dedicate $260 million to helping struggling Arizona families.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Senator Jake Hoffman Celebrates the Passage of the Arizona Families Tax Rebate pic.twitter.com/1MWzypkBPc
— AZSenateRepublicans (@AZSenateGOP) May 12, 2023
This rebate comes from the taxation section of the new $17.8 billion state budget. In total, qualifying houses can receive up to $750 in reimbursements based on taxes filed in 2021. A household can qualify for the refund if they were liable for at least a dollar in 2021’s tax return and if they filed taxes in 2019 and 2020. However, the return is tied to dependents, and a household can only get $250 for three claimed dependent in 2021 who was under the age of 17. If the dependent was exactly 17 in 2021, then the family can receive $100.
According to the legislation, the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) will electronically reimburse taxpayers between October and November 2023. Anyone who does not receive the rebate by November of the following year, but believes they qualify, can file a claim with the department. If the taxpayer passes away before receiving the refund, their surviving spouse is the first to receive the money. By February 2025, the ADOR is required to deliver a report to the leaders of the Legislature detailing the number of rebates and dollar amounts given out and any expenses incurred providing the funds.
Additionally, the taxation section of the budget entails funding ADOR to undertake a “tax system modernization project” for Arizona. This is one of 16 bills that make up the state budget.
However, not included in this bill were tax exemptions. Republican lawmakers made multiple attempts to reduce taxes this Legislative session, such as for groceries and rent, but Hobbs ultimately vetoed their measures. Yet, Hobbs did not get all of her tax wants either. On the campaign trail and after taking office, Hobbs mentioned wanting to provide a tax exemption for feminine products and diapers, which was absent from the budget.
Ultimately, this budget was full of give and take for Republicans and Democrats. As reported by The Arizona Sun Times, members of the State House Majority Caucus quickly celebrated after passing the budget bills on Wednesday.
Not long after, Hobbs officially signed the budget into law, leading to additional comments from the Senate Majority Caucus applauding the new financial plan.
“We’re able to do this for our citizens, while also reducing government spending by $300 million. In fact, this is the first budget since 2017 where we have not added any new ongoing spending above formula increases,” said Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert). “Needless to say, your Republican Majority at the Legislature will continue to fight to protect Arizona from turning into California at the hands of the radical left.”
One of the areas of spending highlighted by the caucus was $256 million going to public safety, which Senator John Kavanaugh (R-Fountain Hills) said will, in part, go to upgrading law enforcement communication technologies and vehicles. Additionally, $54 million will go towards Arizona road pavement rehabilitation, $14 million for veteran housing and employment services, and $143 million for water-related projects.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Senate Republicans Reduce Spending, Provide Historic Tax Rebates to Families, Protect School Choice and Stop Democrats' Extremist Agenda with 2023-2024 Budget pic.twitter.com/1nJvW6hehc
— AZSenateRepublicans (@AZSenateGOP) May 12, 2023
For the month of April, inflation rose to 7.4 percent over the same time last year in Arizona.
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Neil Jones is a reporter for The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Follow Neil on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Jake Hoffman” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0. Photo “Katie Hobbs” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0. Background Photo “Arizona State Capitol” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0.
