Internet slams Gov Katie Hobbs amid 'pay-to-play' investigation over group home donation scandal

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Democratic Gov Katie Hobbs is under investigation for allegedly taking part in a "pay-for-play-scheme" as a report revealed that a group home business taking care of vulnerable children was approved for a rate hike after making a donation to Hobb's inauguration and the Democratic Party, reported Fox News.

As per the publication, Democratic state AG Kris Mayes announced the initiation of the investigation following a request from Republican state Sen TJ Shope.

The report which launched the probe into Gov Katie Hobbs

The Arizona Republic reported that Sunshine Residential Homes, which operates group homes for foster children, received approval for a nearly 60% increase in taxpayer funds from the Arizona Department of Child Safety after the company donated $400,000 to Hobbs and the state Democratic Party.

The report highlighted that while many companies, including Sunshine, had their requests for a rate increase denied before their donations, the new rate at which Sunshine was allowed to operate resulted in higher profits than any other home providers in the state.

Sunshine Residential obtained a rate of $234 per day for standard group home services in May 2023, significantly higher than the average of $169 for other group homes.

According to the publication, no other group home provider has received approval for a rate increase during Hobbs' tenure.

Statements from TJ Shope and Katie Hobb's office

State Sen Shope told Fox, "We were talking about millions of dollars, and to know that not many, if any at all, have seen rate increases that large, it was definitely troubling."

He added that it now lay upon the investigators to get to the bottom of the matter, saying, "I have to believe that they, at the very least, see the allegations the same way that I do, which is troubling at best and possibly worse."

A spokesperson from her office denied the accusations against the Governor, who reportedly stated, "Just like past investigations instigated by radical and partisan legislators, the administration will be cleared of wrongdoing."

"Governor Hobbs is a social worker who has been a champion for Arizona families and kids. It is outrageous to suggest her administration would not do what’s right for children in foster care," the spokesperson added.

Internet slams Katie Hobbs

"Show me a Democrat and I'll show you corruption," a user wrote on X reacting to the news.

"The lure of easy money is hard to refuse," shared another.

"This isn’t going to end well," commented a user.

"The dirts out just in time," jibed another user.

"She has always been corrupt," quipped one more user.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.