Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs moves to expand family leave for state employees
Jan 4, 2023, 12:00 PM
Katie Hobbs speaks to supporters at a campaign rally on Nov. 6, 2022, in Tucson. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
(Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
PHOENIX — A day after she was sworn in, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs announced Tuesday that she aims to expand family leave benefits for state employees.
The Democrat said she directed the Arizona Department of Administration to come up with a plan to update the state’s family leave policy.
“And I commit to you that my administration will continue to identify and implement other positive changes for Arizona’s state workers over the coming years,” she said in a statement.
The announcement didn’t include any details about what she wanted to change in the family leave policy.
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Also on Tuesday, Hobbs unveiled four key hires for her staff: Jason Chavez as Tribal Affairs director, Bo Dul as general counsel, Marisol Flores-Aguirre as Southern Arizona Office director and Tonya Hamilton as director of the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family.
“I’m thrilled to add these talented and experienced individuals to my administration and am honored they’ve agreed to serve Arizona,” the new governor said in a press release.
“I’m confident that this group has what it takes to help make our administration a success and make Arizona the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
On Monday, Hobbs unveiled her First 100 Days Initiative, promising 100 policy actions focusing on what she deems the state’s top priorities.
Her first action was to sign an executive order Monday setting in motion a process to update the state’s policies barring discrimination in state employment and contracting. She is adding new protections based on gender identity, political affiliation, military service or veteran status, marital status, culture and other characteristics.
An inauguration ceremony for Hobbs, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, Attorney General Kris Mayes, Treasurer Kimberly Yee and Superintendent of Public Schools Tom Horne is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
