Katie Hobbs

Hobbs, Katie (Democrat)

Phone: (602) 318-9033

Email: katie@katiehobbs.org

Website: www.katiehobbs.org

1511 E Edgemont Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85006
Age: 40 (b 12/28/69, Phoenix, AZ).

Arizona since: Did not respond.

Occupation: Director of government relations, Sojourner Center, since 2000.

Marital: Married (Patrick Goodman, child therapist).

Children: 2.

Religious pref: Catholic.

Education: M.S.W., social work, ASU, 1995; B.S.W., social work, NAU, 1992; Seton Catholic High School, 1988.

Political experience includes: Democratic Party, precinct committeeman, since 2005; state committeeman, since 2005; DNC delegate in 2008; campaign volunteer, Dana Marie Kennedy 2009; Hillary Clinton for President 2008; David Lujan, 2004, 2006, 2008; Kyrsten Sinema 2004, 2006, 2008; Laura Pastor 2007; Angie Crouse 2006; No on 107 2006; Chad Campbell 2005; appointed commissioner to the Phoenix Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team, Maricopa County Merit System Commission, Phoenix Women’s Commission, and Phoenix Human Services Commission.

Memberships have included: National Association of Social Workers, AZ Chapter; Greater Coronado Neighborhood Association; Board of Directors, Emerge Arizona; Valley Leadership; Center for Progressive Leadership.

Interests: Politics, enjoying the great Arizona outdoors, my kids’ school and extra-curricular activities.

Issues:

Political influence: Kyrsten Sinema and Dana Kennedy.

Budget recommendations: I would make cuts to wasteful, nonessential services and close tax loopholes.

Other concerns: Bringing high-paying jobs to Arizona, particularly in the area of renewable energy and repairing the safety net for our most vulnerable populations.

Fiscal philosophy: I consider myself to be fiscally conservative, and I believe we need to take a more balanced approach than has been attempted by the current leadership to solving Arizona’s budget crisis.

Background & experience: In my 18 years as a social worker, I’ve had the opportunity to impact people’s lives during times of crisis and work with them to solve problems. I believe this problem-solving approach will serve me well in the legislature to work to address the many issues facing our state. I think the biggest hurdle that we face in solving Arizona’s problems is the hyper-partisan climate that has existed in the legislature for the past several years. My experience as a social worker has taught me to bring together diverse groups of people to work together. I am able to work with others to find common ground. I also have experience with the legislative process.

Prop 100 sales tax: Although the temporary sales tax increase was a necessary measure to avoid further devastating budget cuts, I do not think it is the right solution for the current budget crisis. It hurts the poor and middle class the most and makes us even more dependent on sales tax revenue. Instead, the Legislature and governor should have worked to close unfair tax loopholes.

Pro-life / pro-choice: Abortion is a legal medical procedure that should be decided within the privacy of the doctor-patient relationship.

One last thing: I’m running for the House of Representatives because I am a native Arizonan, and I want Arizona to be a place that I am proud to raise my family in, with confidence in the future that we are building. But Arizona is on the wrong track and the Republicans in the Legislature continue to push it down the wrong track by continuing to cut education and jobs. This is not the way to build a strong economic future for our state.

Campaign Finance: private.