Call for Investigation: Allegations Surrounding Sunshine Residential Homes & Governor Hobbs Prompt Auditor General's Action

State Representative Matt Gress Urges Investigation into Alleged Wrongdoings by Sunshine Residential Homes & Governor Hobbs

State Representative Matt Gress, Chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, has extended a formal invitation to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, offering the full support of the Auditor General's Office in investigating potential illicit activities involving Sunshine Residential Homes, Inc. and Governor Katie Hobbs. This initiative comes in response to a damning investigative report by The Arizona Republic, shedding light on concerning financial and political ties between the group home provider and Governor Hobbs.

The investigative report, released on Wednesday, has unearthed a web of intricate connections between Sunshine Residential Homes, Inc. and Governor Hobbs, raising significant questions about the integrity of their dealings. Of particular concern is the revelation that despite Sunshine's mediocre track record and past controversies, including the tragic death of 9-year-old Jakob Blodgett, the Department of Child Safety opted to grant Sunshine a staggering 60% rate increase. This decision stands in stark contrast to the denial of similar requests from other group home providers, suggesting preferential treatment.

State Representative Gress expressed profound shock at the disparity in treatment and the apparent lack of oversight in the allocation of state resources. He highlighted the gravity of the situation, pointing to a letter from Senator T.J. Shope outlining potential violations of state law, including bribery, fraud, improper procurement, conflicts of interest, and illegal expenditure of state funds. In his capacity as Chairman of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, Representative Gress underscored the commitment to allocate necessary resources to facilitate a comprehensive investigation into these allegations.

The offer of collaboration with Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell underscores the bipartisan effort to uphold transparency and accountability in governance. Representative Gress emphasized the importance of restoring public trust in government institutions, acknowledging the unfortunate necessity of diverting valuable time and resources to address these allegations. However, he reiterated the seriousness of the matter and the obligation to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry.

Matt Gress, a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives representing Legislative District 4 in Phoenix, has been a vocal advocate for governmental integrity and accountability. As Chairman of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, he has consistently championed efforts to root out corruption and malpractice. His commitment to transparency and justice underscores the imperative of addressing allegations of misconduct promptly and comprehensively.

Follow Matt Gress on Twitter at @MatthewGress for updates on this ongoing investigation and other legislative initiatives.

Link to original article: https://bit.ly/4aR6hp5

Original article:

State Representative Matt Gress: Auditor General Ready to Assist County Attorney in Probing Potential Illegal Actions Involving Sunshine Residential Homes & Governor Hobbs

STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (Thursday, June 6, 2024) – In a letter sent today, State Representative @Matt Gress, Chairman of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, states that the Auditor General’s Office stands ready to partner with Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell in getting the facts about potential illegal activities involving Sunshine Residential Homes, Inc. and Governor Katie Hobbs. This follows a detailed investigative report published Wednesday by The Arizona Republic outlining extensive and eyebrow-raising financial and political connections between the group home provider and the Governor.

Given Sunshine’s average performance and involvement in past controversies, including the death of 9-year-old Jakob Blodgett, I was shocked to learn in the article that the Department of Child Safety increased Sunshine’s rates by 60%. No other group home provider has received a rate increase during Hobbs’ tenure despite requests from providers. None is paid as much per day than Sunshine.

Yesterday, Senator T.J. Shope sent you a letter outlining five potential violations of state law, including bribery, fraud, improper procurement, conflicts of interest, and illegal expenditure of state monies.

In my capacity as chairman of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, I want you to know that the Auditor General’s Office stands ready to partner with you in getting the facts about this troubling matter. Make no mistake, we will allocate the resources the Auditor General needs to help restore what appears to be a major breach of trust in our government.

It’s unfortunate that your office’s time and resources must be spent looking into these allegations, but they are serious and warrant a thorough investigation.

Representative Gress’ entire letter is attached.

Matt Gress is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 4 in Phoenix. He is Chairman of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. Follow him on X/Twitter at @MatthewGress.

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