Governor Vetoes Bill Addressing Waste, Fraud, Abuse of Arizona's Unemployment Insurance Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                         

Monday, May 5, 2025

Governor Vetoes Bill Addressing Waste, Fraud, Abuse

of Arizona's Unemployment Insurance Program

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate Federalism Committee Chairman Mark Finchem is speaking out against Governor Hobbs for vetoing his legislation that would have prevented waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars by addressing eligibility requirements and increasing oversight of Arizona's unemployment insurance program.

SB 1296, sponsored by Senator Finchem, would have required individuals to report weekly job searches. Specifically, the bill would have required all claimants to conduct at least five job searches per week and report these activities to the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). This effort would have ensured able-bodied working adults are doing their part to find employment. To confirm legitimacy of benefit claims, SB 1296 allowed DES to cross-check unemployment claims with other data to confirm individuals aren’t abusing the system.

"The purpose of this bill was to address the overwhelming waste, fraud, and abuse caused by individuals who are rigging the system to receive benefits they are not entitled to," said Senator Finchem. "Unemployment benefits are meant to support those who are actively seeking work, but there are a number of individuals living off the backs of taxpayers who are in no rush to look for jobs to get themselves out of these situations. The bill would have enhanced the ability to protect the public purse and ensure the resources are used as intended by those who actually need them. I am extremely disappointed, yet not surprised, with the governor making yet again, another irresponsible veto decision that harms Arizonans."

Similar legislation sponsored by Senator John Kavanagh was vetoed last week. SB 1071 would have increased oversight of Arizona's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by requiring monthly evaluations of eligibility requirements for participants. This includes verification of employment records, income amounts, and job search activity.

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For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

kquintero@azleg.gov