Katie Hobbs Declares State of Emergency, Kari Lake Responds

Arizona Democrat Gov. Katie Hobbs declared a heat state of emergency Friday for Coconino, Maricopa, and Pinal counties.

“After 30 consecutive days of excessive heat warnings in Coconino, Maricopa, and Pinal counties, Governor Katie Hobbs has declared a State of Emergency to support local heat relief efforts,” a news release from Katie Hobbs’ office states.

“In addition to the declaration, Governor Hobbs has signed an executive order to better coordinate future government heat responses statewide and announced state-run cooling centers.”

“I declared a State of Emergency and signed an Executive Order to support heat relief efforts while addressing extreme heat moving forward. Arizona is resilient, and I will ensure we have the tools we need to stay safe and continue growing sustainably,” Hobbs wrote.

I declared a State of Emergency and signed an Executive Order to support heat relief efforts while addressing extreme heat moving forward. Arizona is resilient, and I will ensure we have the tools we need to stay safe and continue growing sustainably. https://t.co/I9ucza5qsI

— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) August 12, 2023

“Extreme heat threatens our health. It can lead to illness, emergency room visits, and even loss of life,” said Hobbs.

“Arizonans deserve action. I’ll use every resource at my disposal to help keep Arizonans safe as we recover from the heat wave and prepare for future events to ensure our state has the tools to continue growing and thriving.”

Gov. Katie Hobbs has declared a State of Emergency due to the historic heat parts of the state experienced this summer. https://t.co/tTqxETDc53

— FOX 10 Phoenix (@FOX10Phoenix) August 11, 2023

From Katie Hobbs’ news release:

“Coconino County is a popular summer recreation destination in Arizona where residents from Central and Southern Arizona go to escape the heat,” said Coconino County Chair Patrice Horstman. “However, even in Northern Arizona, this summer heat is lethal. Temperatures at the base of the Grand Canyon, a popular tourist destination, soared above 115 degrees, contributing to multiple heat-related hiker deaths and injuries in July. In our recreation-based county, record-breaking heat impacted visitors and taxed our first responders. It also took a toll on our unsheltered population. I applaud Governor Hobbs for recognizing this crisis and declaring a heat emergency in Arizona which brings attention and resources toward protecting our residents and visitors.”

“Maricopa County is ready to work together to protect the most vulnerable in our region during this relentless summer heat,” said Director of Maricopa County Emergency Management, Robert Rowley. “Our Human Services Department partnered with cities and towns earlier this year to provide more funding for cooling and respite centers while also investing in home and air conditioner repair for those who can’t afford it. We intend to continue those programs and partnerships while we get past this dangerous heat wave.”

“This has been a brutally hot summer so far in Pinal County, so we welcome any support that the Governor and the state can offer that can help provide relief to our residents,” said Vice-Chairman of the Pinal County Board of Supervisors Jeffrey McClure.

With the Declaration of Emergency, government entities that qualify can submit receipts for allowable expenditures from the duration of the emergency, and they can be reimbursed from state emergency and other funds.

“So let me see if I’m reading this right? Today Katie Hobbs granted herself Emergency Powers that expired 9 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 & Flux Capacitor?” said Arizona State Rep. Justin Heap (R).

So let me see if I'm reading this right? Today Katie Hobbs granted herself Emergency Powers that expired 9 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… pic.twitter.com/c6W4ZS3Rml

— Az State Rep. Justin Heap (@azjustinheap) August 12, 2023

FOX 10 reports:

According to the emergency declaration, $200,000 will be made available to the Director of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management, due to heat-related exposure in Coconino, Maricopa and Pinal Counties from June 30 to July 30, 2023.

In addition, Gov. Hobbs issued an Executive Order that includes:

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• The opening of two new cooling centers and heat relief facilities on the ground of the Capitol Mall
• Formalize and centralize networks for cooling centers and heat relief coordination around Arizona
• Propose policy changes and legislative proposals to build future heat resiliency
• Identify resource needs across Arizona, as well as potential sources of funds to address those needs
• Identify ways to ensure Arizona is receiving sufficient Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) dollars, and that those dollars are being used efficiently and effectively

Kari Lake responded to Katie Hobbs’ power grab.

“Katie Hobbs just declared a state of emergency over the weather. It’s a power grab that could be used to implement Green New Deal policies that will cripple small businesses & destroy our middle class. Hobbs has no right to MANDATE her radical climate agenda in Arizona,” Lake said.

.@katiehobbs just declared a state of emergency over the weather.

It's a power grab that could be used to implement Green New Deal policies that will cripple small businesses & destroy our middle class.

Hobbs has no right to MANDATE her radical climate agenda in Arizona. pic.twitter.com/87T7gLU1q8

— Kari Lake (@KariLake) August 12, 2023

“We live in a desert. It’s 100° outside right now. This woman is an illegitimate clown,” Kari Lake War Room noted.

We live in a desert.

It's 100° outside right now.

This woman is an illegitimate clown.

— Kari Lake War Room (@KariLakeWarRoom) August 12, 2023