Sunshine Homes’ $100,000 contribution preceded 30% rate increase
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Friday that state prosecutors declined to file criminal charges against Gov. Katie Hobbs over allegations that she took part in a pay-to-play scheme with a group home company.
The decision closes a state investigation into whether Hobbs, a Democrat, gave preferential treatment to Sunshine Residential Homes. The probe followed an Arizona Republic report that the company contributed to Hobbs’ inaugural fund and to the Arizona Democratic Party and later received a 30% payment increase from the state.
Sunshine contributed $100,000 to Hobbs’ inaugural celebration, according to the state inquiry’s account of events. Only Sunshine and one other company received rate increases during the 2022-2023 contracting period, the Arizona Republic reported.
The investigation has turned into a political millstone for Hobbs as she seeks a second term as governor. Her Republican opponent, U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, has run an ad underscoring the investigation into Hobbs.