State Representative Matt Gress has taken a stance to ensure the integrity of Arizona's governance in light of allegations linking Sunshine Residential Homes, Inc. to Governor Katie Hobbs. A recent letter by Gress suggests that the Arizona Auditor General’s Office is prepared to assist the Maricopa County Attorney in probing questioned transactions and potential legal breaches fostered by the relationship between the care provider and the Governor.
The controversy surfaced after an investigative report by The Arizona Republic detailed potential misconduct, including a noticeably steep 60% rate increase for Sunshine Residential Homes—a rise not awarded to any other group home provider during Hobbs' tenure. According to the report, no other provider has been paid as much per day as Sunshine. Gress expressed his shock at the revelations, particularly given Sunshine's "average performance" and its past marred by serious incidents such as the death of a young boy in its care. The representative was clear in his intent to, alongside the Attorney's office, vigorously pursue the facts.
Backing his stance, Gress highlighted a letter from Senator T.J. Shope, which flagged five possible state law violations, including bribery, fraud, improper procurement, conflicts of interest, and illegal expenditure of funds. Gress’ letter to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell reaffirmed the availability and readiness of the Auditor General’s Office to delve into these allegations, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to rectify what appears to be a major breach of trust in our government.
While Gress lamented the necessity for such an investigation, considering the use of time and resources, his commitment to uncover and rectify any wrongdoing seems to underscore a broader responsibility to the people of Arizona. "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," Gress stated, indicating the gravity the committee places on these accusations and the lengths they are willing to go to uphold accountability.
