COMING UP NEXT WE'LL HEAR THE STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS FROM GOVERNOR KATIE HOBBS IN ITS ENTIRETY NEXT ON ARIZONA HORIZON.

>> MADE POSSIBLE BY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE FRIENDS OF ARIZONA PBS, MEMBERS OF YOUR PUBLIC TELEVISION STATION.

>> GOOD EVENING, WELCOME TO THIS SPECIAL EDITION OF ARIZONA HORIZON.

I'M TED SIMONS.

GOVERNOR KATIE HOBBS GAVE HER STATE OF THE STATE EARLIER AS THEY KICKED OFF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

WE'LL RUN THE SPEECH IN ENTIRETY FOLLOWED BY ANALYSIS AND HERE NOW IS THE GOVERNOR'S 2025 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS.

>> HONORED GUESTS, AND MY FELLOW ARIZONIANS, IT IS OUR HONOR TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE 57TH LEGISLATURE FOR ITS FIRST REGULAR SESSION ON THE LAND OF TODAY'S SALT RIVER, MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY AND OF THE GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY.

BEFORE WE GO FURTHER, LET ME SAY MY HEART IS WITH THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA IMPACTED BY THE DEVASTATING WILDFIRES.

I ALSO WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE COURAGEOUS ARIZONA FIREFIGHTERS WHO ARE HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS BATTLE THE FLAMES.

TO ALL OF THOSE FIGHTING THE FIRES, THANK YOU.

[APPLAUSE] NOW, LET ME EXTEND MY CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH THE NEW AND RETURNING FACES IN THIS CHAMBER.

YOUR DEDICATION TO PUBLIC SERVICE IS COMMENDABLE.

LET US NEVER FORGET THE HONOR WE HAVE IN SERVING THIS GREAT STATE.

THAT HONOR COMES FROM THE INDOMITABLE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE WHO BUILT THIS LAND INTO THE THRIVING CULTURES, ECONOMY AND INNOVATIVE PLACE IT IS TODAY.

THE INGENUOUS PEOPLE WHO FIRST ENGINEERED CENTRAL ARIZONA'S CANAL SYSTEMS AND THE TRIBES WHO CONTINUE TO LEAD ON WATER STEWARDSHIP POLICIES TODAY.

INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WHO BUILT THEIR LIVES HERE BECAUSE THEY SAW THE PROMISE OF OUR DESERT, OUR DIVERSE GEOGRAPHY AND OUR STUNNING OPEN SPACES.

LEADERS LIKE JUSTICE SANDRA DAY O'CONNOR, GOVERNOR RAUL CASTRO, SENATORS BARRY GOLDWATER AND JOHN MCCAIN TO GUIDED OUR STATE AND NATION.

THEIR SPIRIT CARRIES ON TODAY.

IT CONTINUES WITH ARIZONIANS LIKE FELICIA, A MEMBER OF THE HAVASU TRIBAL COUNCIL.

WHEN DEVASTATING FLOODS SWEPT THROUGH THE VILLAGE LAST SUMMER AND COLLAPSED THE SURROUNDING TRAILS, FELICIA GUIDED MORE THAN 100 TOURISTS TO HAVASU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR SHELTER.

THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT, SHE FIELDED CALLS FROM FIRST RESPONDERS ABOUT PEOPLE STUCK ON TRAILS AND FAMILIES LOOKING FOR LOVED ONES, COMMUNICATING THEIR NAMES AND LOCATIONS TO THE TRIBES RANGERS.

HER SERVICE AND HEROISM SHOW HOW EVEN IN OUR MOST DEVASTATING MOMENTS, ARIZONIANS ARE THERE TO OFFER HELPOPE AND A HELPING HAN FELICIA, WILL YOU STAND SO WE CAN THANK YOU FOR YOUR BRAVERY AND KINDNESS.

[APPLAUSE] THANK YOU.

RESILIENT INDIVIDUALS LIKE THESE AND MILLIONS OF OTHER GOOD, HARDWORKING PEOPLE BUILT OUR BELOVED ARIZONA, A SPECIAL PLACE THAT VALUES OPPORTUNITY AND FREEDOM, A PLACE WHERE ENTREPRENEURS, MOM AND POP BUSINESSES, FARMERS AND INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES LAUNCHED THEIR NEXT BIG IDEA OR PROVIDE THE CRITICAL SERVICES AND PRODUCTS THAT MAKE OUR MODERN WAY OF LIFE A REALITY, A PLACE FOR YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN CAN TRIUMPH BEYOND OUR WILDEST IMAGINATIONS, A PLACE WHERE THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW IS AS VAST AS OUR BLUE SKIES AND LUMINOUS AS THE ARIZONA SUN.

THIS, MY FRIENDS, IS OUR ARIZONA PROMISE.

THE PROMISE THAT EVERYDAY PEOPLE CAN FIND OPPORTUNITIES, SECURITY, AND FREEDOM, THE PROMISE THAT THROUGH HARD WORK AND PERSEVERANCE YOU CAN BUILD A GOOD LIFE FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY AND LEAVE YOUR KIDS WITH A BETTER TOMORROW.

FOR MANY YEARS WE LIVED BY THIS CREED AND REALIZED THIS PROMISE, BUT FOR TOO MANY, THE ARIZONA PROMISE HAS SLIPPED AWAY.

OUR COST OF LIVING IS TOO HIGH.

PEOPLE ARE WORKING HARDER AND STRUGGLING MORE.

OUR FREEDOMS ARE UNDER ATTACK.

OUR SENSE OF SECURITY HAS FALTERED.

FOR TOO LONG POLITICIANS HAVE FOCUSED ON THE WRONG THINGS, CHASING HEADLINES, PLAYING POLITICS, AND LOOKING FORWARD THEIR NEXT ELECTION OR THEIR NEXT OFFICE, RATHER THAN STANDING UP FOR THE PEOPLE WE REPRESENT.

SINCE I BECAME GOVERNOR, WE HAVE MADE GREAT STRIDES IN RESTORING THIS PROMISE, BUT WE STILL HAVE MUCH TO DO.

OUR PROMISE MEANS YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WORK TWO OR THREE JOBS JUST TO MAKE ENDS MEET.

IT MEANS YOUR KIDS SHOULD BE ABLE TO GO TO COLLEGE OR TRADE SCHOOL WITHOUT TAKING ON A LIFETIME OF DEBT.

IT MEANS YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO ACCESS THE MEDICINE AND HEALTH CARE YOU NEED AT A PRICE YOU CAN AFFORD.

IT MEANS IF YOU WORK HARD AND SAVE, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO BUY A HOME WHERE YOUR FAMILY CAN BUILD A LIFE.

IT MEANS IF YOU IMMIGRATE TO THIS COUNTRY, FOLLOW THE LAW, PAY TAXES AND CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR COMMUNITY, THE ARIZONA PROMISE CAN BE YOURS, TOO.

[APPLAUSE] THE ARIZONA PROMISE IS PERSONAL TO ME.

I WAS BORN RIGHT HERE AT ST. JOE'S HOSPITAL IN PHOENIX.

I GREW UP IN TEMPE PLAYING AT KEWANIST PARK.

THANKS TO HARD WORK I GRADUATED FROM ARIZONA UNIVERSITY AND ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY, AS A SOCIAL WORKER I HELPED HOMELESS YOUTH AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS IN CENTRAL ARIZONA.

I MET MY HUSBAND HERE WHILE VOLUNTEERING AT CHURCH.

WE RAISED OUR CHILDREN HERE AND NOW THEY'RE BUILDING THEIR LIVES RIGHT HERE, TOO.

ARIZONA IS MY HOME AND LIKE YOU, I LOVE THIS STATE.

THAT LOVE WAS NEVER DIMINISHED WHEN, AS A KID, MY FAMILY HAD TO RELY ON FOOD STAMPS.

IT NEVER DIMINISHED WHEN MY HUSBAND AND I LOST OUR HOME DURING THE GREAT RECESSION OR WHEN I TOOK A SECOND JOB DRIVING FOR UBER SO I COULD BUY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR MY KIDS.

AND NEVER DIMINISHED IN THE FACE OF COUNTLESS OTHER BATTLES MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES LIKE MINE CONTINUE TO CONFRONT.

THAT'S WHY EVERY DAY I WAKE UP AND FIGHT FOR THIS STATE.

THAT'S WHY I WILL NEVER GIVE UP ON THE ARIZONA PROMISE.

SINCE I BECAME GOVERNOR WE HAVE ACHIEVED MUCH TOGETHER BY FINDING COMMON GROUND, BUT WE MUST DO MORE.

AS WE GO FORWARD, LET US WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE THAT PROMISE A REALITY, TODAY AND FOR YEARS TO COME.

HAVING GROWN UP IN THIS STATE AND RAISED MY FAMILY HERE, I'VE WITNESSED HOW HAVING A HOME REPRESENTS MORE THAN FOUR WALLS AND A ROOF.

THE HOME I GREW UP IN WAS SOMEWHERE WE MADE MEMORIES.

IT MADE SO MUCH OF OUR LIVES POSSIBLE.

IT'S WHY A SAFE PLACE TO REST YOUR HEAD AT NIGHT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAYS, TO BUILD A LIFE, IS A PILLAR OF THE ARIZONA PROMISE.

THE HOME WHERE I MADE MY MEMORIES, WHERE I HAD A SAFE PLACE TO REST MY HEAD WAS PURCHASED BY MY PARENTS FOR $40,000.

THEY BOUGHT IT BACK WHEN WORKING CLASS FAMILIES COULD AFFORD TO BUY A HOME IN THIS STATE AND LIVE THEIR ARIZONA PROMISE, BUT TODAY, THE HIGH COST OF HOUSING IS FORCING THAT PROMISE OUT OF REACH, FROM FLAGSTAFF TO SIERRA VISTA, HOUSING SHORTAGES AND OUT OF STATE SPECULATORS ARE DRIVING UP THE PRICE OF HOUSING.

TO COMBAT THIS WE ARE TAKING ACTION.

A FEW WEEKS AGO I HELPED MARIA MAGDALENA CONTRERAS MOVE INTO HER NEW HOME.

MARIA IS A WIDOW AND HARDWORKING MOM OF FOUR KIDS.

AS A MEDICATION TECHNICIAN SHE HELPS KEEP OUR SENIORS HEALTHY.

AFTER RENTING FOR EIGHT YEARS MARIA WAS ABLE TO BUY A HOME THANKS TO DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE FROM OUR ARIZONA IS HOME PROGRAM.

[APPLAUSE] SHE NOW HAS TO PLACE OF HER OWN, A PLACE TO HANG A PHOTO OF HER BELOVED CHILDREN AND A PLACE TO ONE DAY PASS DOWN TO THEM.

MARIA'S STORY SIGNIFIES THE PERSEVERANCE OF SO MANY ARIZONIANS WHO WORK HARD AND SAVE FOR YEARS, BUT FOR WHOM HOME OWNERSHIP REMAINS OUT OF REACH.

WE OWE IT TO THEM TO CREATE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO FIND A HOME, ACCESS SUPPORT IF THEY NEED IT, AND LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY THEY WANT.

DURING MY TIME AS GOVERNOR WE HAVE LOWERED COSTS BY CUTTING GOVERNMENT RED TAPE AND MAKING HISTORIC INVESTMENTS IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS.

BUT MAKE NO MISTAKE, WE MUST DO MORE.

FIRST, WE MUST EXTEND THE STATE LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT.

THIS PROGRAM HAS ENABLED THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOMES ACROSS ARIZONA FROM PRESCOTT VALLEY TO TUCSON.

[APPLAUSE] SECOND, LET'S ADDRESS THE PROLIFERATION OF VACATION RENTALS OWNED BY OUT OF STATE CORPORATIONS LOOKING FOR A QUICK BUCK.

THESE HOUSING SPECULATORS ARE BUYING UP PROPERTIES AND TURNING FAMILY HOMES INTO PARTY HOUSES, MAKING HOUSING LESS AFFORDABLE IN THE PROCESS.

PARTY HOUSES ARE CAUSING CHAOS IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

WE MUST END THE TOP DOWN GOVERNMENT MANDATE THAT DENIES OUR NEIGHBORHOODS A VOICE.

ARIZONIANS WANT FAMILY HOMES, NOT PARTY HOUSES.

[APPLAUSE] THIRD, LET'S CONTINUE TO FOSTER GENERATIONAL WEALTH.

LAST YEAR I ANNOUNCED THE ARIZONA IS HOME PROGRAM AND I'M PROUD TO SHARE WITH YOU TODAY THAT WE WILL DOUBLE THE NUMBER OF FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS WHO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE.

[APPLAUSE] FINALLY, WE MUST FURTHER CUT THE RED TAPE THAT IS DRIVING UP THE COST OF HOUSING.

I'M PROUD OF THE PROGRESS WE'VE MADE EXPANDING ACCESS TO CASITAS AND BUILDING DUPLEXES AND TRI TRIPLEXES IN OUR DOWNTOWN.

ARIZONIANS ARE COUNTING ON US TO HAVE MORE COMMON SENSE SOLUTIONS THAT DON'T EXPOSE OUR NEIGHBORHOODS TO UNTESTED EXPERIMENTS.

BY TAKING THESE COMMONSENSE ACTIONS WE CAN LOWER THE SKY HIGH COST OF HOUSING AND HELP FAMILIES THRIVE, BUT THERE IS YET MORE THAT WE CAN DO, MORE WE MUST DO.

NO MAN OR WOMAN WHO SERVED OUR NATION AND PROTECTED OUR FREEDOM SHOULD BE FORCED TO LIVE ON THE STREET.

[APPLAUSE] THAT'S WHY TODAY I'M ISSUING A CHALLENGE TO LAWMAKERS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS ACROSS THE STATE TO FULLY COMMIT TO ENDING VETERAN HOMELESSNESS IN ARIZONA IN THE NEXT DECADE.

[APPLAUSE] MY EXECUTIVE BUDGET WILL INCLUDE A DOWN PAYMENT TO JUMP START THIS EFFORT WITH THE CREATION OF THE HOMES FOR HEROES FUND.

BUT IT WILL TAKE ALL OF US, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, NONPROFITS, VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHERS TO SEE THIS COMMITMENT THROUGH.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE OUR VETERANS HAVE A PLACE TO CALL HOME.

WHILE WE TACKLE HOMELESSNESS AND THE COST OF HOUSING, OUR FAMILIES ARE BURDENED BY OTHER COSTS, WE MUST ALSO DO MORE TO HELP THEM AFFORD DAY-TO-DAY LIFE.

WHEN I TRAVEL ACROSS THE STATE AND I SPEAK TO PARENTS, I HEAR ONE THING TIME AND AGAIN, CHILD CARE COSTS ARE OUT OF CONTROL.

ON AVERAGE, AN ARIZONA FAMILY PAYS NEARLY $15,000 A YEAR FOR CHILD CARE.

THAT'S MORE THAN STUDENTS PAY FOR IN-STATE TUITION TO OUR PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES.

MORE THAN 75,000 ARIZONA CHILDREN, ONE IN FOUR, HAVE PARENTS WHO NEED CHILD CARE, BUT CAN'T ACCESS TO, AND EVERY YEAR CHILD CARE DISRUPTIONS COST OUR STATE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY.

I WAS A WORKING MOTHER WHO RAISED TWO KIDS AND I UNDERSTAND THESE CHALLENGES INTIMATELY.

THAT'S WHY I'M PUTTING FORWARD THE WORKING FAMILIES CHILD CARE ACT TO LOWER THE COST OF CARING FOR YOUR KIDS BY TWO-THIRDS.

[APPLAUSE] THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH EMPLOYERS WE CAN MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR FAMILIES WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH THE HIGH COST OF RAISING A CHILD.

HARDWORKING FAMILIES WILL WIN, EMPLOYERS WILL WIN AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, OUR KIDS WILL BE BETTER OFF BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE CARE THEY NEED TO LEARN, PLAY AND THRIVE.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO LOWER COSTS AND SUPPORT FAMILIES WHO ARE RAISING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ARIZONIANS.

BUT LOWERING COSTS ALONE WILL NOT BRING ABOUT, WE MUST ENVISION ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY.

WHETHER YOU'RE CHASING YOUR DREAM JOB IN A TRADE OR LAUNCHING THE NEXT BIG THING YOU SHOULD HAVE A CHANCE TO SUCCEED AND BUILD A BETTER LIFE FOR YOUR FAMILY.

WHEN WE CREATE OPPORTUNITIES, PEOPLE LIKE ORRIN BATES SUCCEEDS.

HE ENJOYED MAKING THINGS WORK.

AS A KID HE HELPED HIS DAD FIX THINGS IN THE GARAGE, AS A BOY SCOUT HE EARNED HIS FIRST MERIT BADGE IN ELECTRICITY.

INSPIRED BY HIS SCOUT LEADER WHO IS AN ELECTRICIAN, HE PURSUED A CAREER, AND HARD WORK WAS PAID OFF WHEN HE WAS NAMED APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AND GRADUATED FROM THE PROGRAM LAST MONTH.

THE MONEY HE EARNED HELPED HIM BUY HIS FIRST HOME WHERE HE HOPES TO RAISE A FAMILY ONE DAY.

HE'S EXCITED TO GET STARTED AS A JOURNEYMAN INSIDE WIREMAN AND PUT HIS ELECTRICAL SKILLS TO WORK.

ORRIN, PLEASE STAND.

JOIN ME IN ACKNOWLEDGING ORRIN 0 ON HIS HARD WORK AND GRADUATING HIM ON HIS RECENT ENGAGEMENT.

[APPLAUSE] THROUGH OUR BUILD AZ INITIATIVE WE'RE CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOUSANDS OF TALENTED, DRIVEN INDIVIDUALS LIKE ORRIN.

WE'RE INVESTING IN OUR CONSTRUCTION AND TRADES APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM INCLUDING THE ONE THAT ORRIN COMPLETED THAT WILL IN TURN HELP MORE PEOPLE BUILD HIGH DEMAND SKILLS.

IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO BECAUSE WE SHOULD EXPAND PATHWAYS TO HAVING A GOOD JOB WITH GOOD WAGES, AND IT'S THE SMART THING TO DO BECAUSE WE'RE MEETING THE NEEDS OF OUR GROWING STATE, PROVIDING COMPANIES WITH TOP-NOTCH TALENT AND SUPPORTING FAMILIES.

JUST LOOK AT THE OPPORTUNITIES WE'RE CREATING IN THE SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY.

LAST YEAR I STOOD IN FRONT OF YOU AND CALLED FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE ARIZONA COMMERCE AUTHORITY BECAUSE I KNOW IT'S ESSENTIAL TO GROWING BUSINESS AND CREATING JOBS IN THIS STATE.

FAST FORWARD TO LAST WEEK.

I ANNOUNCED A HISTORIC INVESTMENT THROUGH THE CHIPS AND SCIENCE ACT TO CREATE ARIZONA'S FIRST NATIONAL LABORATORY AND ONE OF AMERICA'S THREE FLAGSHIP SEMICONDUCTOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FACILITIES.

IT'S AN INVESTMENT MADE POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE COMMERCE AUTHORITY WHICH PARTNERED WITH ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY TO BRING THIS TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY TO OUR STATE.

THANKS TO THIS HISTORIC PROJECT AND SUPPORT FROM PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERS, ARIZONA STANDS AT THE EPICENTER OF AMERICA'S SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY, AN INDUSTRY PUTTING THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

WHETHER IT'S THE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TRADES, THE PATHWAYS CREATED THROUGH OUR WORLDCLASS UNIVERSITIES OR THE POSSIBILITIES FOR AMBITIOUS ENTREPRENEURS, ARIZONA OFFERS A MODEL FOR THE NATION.

TODAY WE HAVE MORE ARIZONIANS WORKING THAN EVER BEFORE.

WE ARE THE TOP MARKET IN THE NATION FOR MANUFACTURING EXPANSION.

WE RANK IN THE TOP 10 STATES FOR PRIVATE SECTOR WAGE GROWTH AND SINCE I BECAME GOVERNOR WE HAVE CREATED NEARLY 200,000 JOBS.

[APPLAUSE] THROUGH SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS, WE'RE CREATING GOOD PAYING JOBS THAT SUPPORT INDUSTRIES CRITICAL TO OUR NATIONAL SECURITY AND ECONOMIC FUTURE.

WE'RE LEADING THE MANUFACTURING RENAISSANCE, HOWEVER, WE CAN'T JUDGE OUR SUCCESS BY THE EXPANSION OF LARGE COMPANIES ALONE.

ARIZONA'S ECONOMY THRIVES BECAUSE OF SMALL BUSINESSES LIKE THE ONE FOUNDED BY ALEXA RODRIGUEZ.

AFTER DISCOVERING HER PASSION FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP, SHE STARTED AN ONLINE BOUTIQUE SELLING CRAFTS THAT HONOR HER MEXICAN HERITAGE.

WHILE STARTING A BUSINESS WAS HARD, ALEXA LEARNED THAT SECURING A LOAN THROUGH TRADITIONAL CHANNELS WAS EVEN HARDER.

THAT CHANGED WHEN SHE GOT A LOAN THROUGH OUR MICROBUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR OUR STATE'S SMALLEST BUSINESSES.

THE LOAN HAS HELPED HER SCALE UP HER OPERATION, ALLOWING HER TO MAKE MORE PRODUCTS AND SELL DIRECTLY TO CUSTOMERS THROUGH A SMALL KIOSK, SHE'S ALSO GETTING EDUCATION AND TRAINING SO EXECUTE HER FUTURE PLANS.

ALEXA, PLEASE STAND.

JOIN ME IN CONGRATULATING ALEXA ON HER DREAM AS AN ENTREPRENEUR.

[APPLAUSE] THANK YOU.

DELIVERING ON ARIZONA'S PROMISE MEANS CREATING MORE PROMISE FOR OPPORTUNITIES LIKE ALEXA AND ORRIN IN COMMUNITIES AND INDUSTRIES ACROSS OUR STATE.

BEYOND THESE EFFORTS, HOWEVER, THE WAY TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE A STRONG, THRIVING ECONOMY IS BY ACTING DECISIVELY TO SUPPORT OUR PUBLIC K-12 SCHOOLS.

WE MUST ADDRESS THE IMPENDING EXPIRATION OF PROP 1, 2, 3, WHICH PROVIDES CRITICAL FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.

RENEWING IT IS ESSENTIAL.

IF WE FAIL TO ACT, WE'RE THROWING AWAY AN OPPORTUNITY TO FUND TEACHER PAY RAISES AND GIVE ARIZONA'S CHILDREN THE OPPORTUNITY THEY DESERVE ALL WITHOUT RAISING TAXES ON A SINGLE ARIZONIAN.

WHEN PROP 123 ORIGINALLY PASSED IT WAS A BIPARTISAN SUCCESS AND PROVED THAT REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS COULD COME TOGETHER AND DO THE RIGHT THING FOR OUR STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND PARENTS.

SO LET'S PUT OUR KIDS FIRST AGAIN AND PROVIDE THE CERTAINTY THEY AND OUR SCHOOLS NEED.

[APPLAUSE] LET'S ADDRESS THE AGGREGATE EXPENDITURE LIMIT TO MAKE SURE SCHOOLS STAY OPEN AND LET'S PASS A PROP 123 EXTENSION TO FUND OUR SCHOOLS WITHOUT RAISING TAXES.

[APPLAUSE] I WILL NOT WAIVER IN MY COMMITMENT CREATING MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARIZONANS BECAUSE EVERY INDIVIDUAL WHO WORKS HARD SHOULD HAVE A CHANCE TO GET AHEAD.

A TRULY THRIVING ECONOMY MEANS SECURITY FOR OUR FAMILIES AND NEIGHBORS, THAT'S WHY SAFE COMMUNITIES ARE A CORE PILLAR OF THE ARIZONA PROMISE AND WHY I'VE MADE BORDER SECURITY A TOP PRIORITY.

[APPLAUSE] AT MY DIRECTION, THE ARIZONA NATIONAL GUARD IS AT OUR BORDER TO SUPPORT U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION AND STOP THE FLOW OF DANGEROUS DRUGS INTO OUR STATE.

WHEN I VISITED THE PORT OF NOGALES IN NOVEMBER I SAW THE CRITICAL WORKS THAT THESE MEN AND WOMEN ARE DOING TO PROTECT US.

THEY DIRECT TRAFFIC THROUGH X-RAY MACHINES, THEY BREAK DOWN VEHICLES, THEY ASSESS EVERY POTENTIAL THREAT COMING INTO OUR STATE.

THEY ARE TASK FORCE SAFE AND ONE OF ITS MEMBERS IS STAFF SERGEANT EVERETT GRIGGS, A 17-YEAR MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND VETERAN OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE.

FOR STAFF SERGEANT GRIGGS, THE MISSION OF TASK FORCE SAFE IS PERSONAL.

HE TOLD ME HOW PROUD HE IS TO PLAY A ROLE IN KEEPING HIS FAMILY AND NEIGHBORS SAFE.

MOST OF ALL, HE'S DRIVEN BY HIS WIFE SHAUNA AND HIS THREE CHILDREN, PRESTON, WHO WANTS TO SERVE HIS COUNTRY AS A HELICOPTER PILOT IN THE MILITARY, EVERETT III ASPIRING NBA PLAYER AND 7-YEAR-OLD PAYTON WHO LOVES TO DANCE.

STAFF SERGEANT GRIGGS WOULD YOU PLEASE STAND SO WE CAN SHOW OUR GRATITUDE FOR YOUR DEDICATION FOR KEEPING OUR FAMILIES SAFE?

THANK WE MUST REMAIN VIGILANT IN PROTECTING ARIZONANS FROM CARTELS WHO SEEK TO DO US HARM.

THE FENTANYL CRISIS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST THREATS TO PUBLIC SAFETY IN OUR STATE'S HISTORY AND REQUIRES A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH THROUGH STATE, LOCAL AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER, WE PROTECT ARIZONA FAMILIES.

SINCE JULY, THE ARIZONA NATIONAL GUARD AND CBP HAVE SEIZED MORE THAN EIGHT MILLION FENTANYL PILLS AND MORE THAN 2000 POUNDS OF METH, COCAINE, HEROIN AND FENTANYL POWDER, THAT MEANS EIGHT MILLION PILLS OUT OF OUR COMMUNITY.

EIGHT MILLION PILLS THAT DIDN'T DESTROY FATHERS, MOTHERS, SONS AND DAUGHTERS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, FRIENDS, AND GRANDCHILDREN.

EIGHT MILLION PILLS THAT ARE NO LONGER FUNDING THE CARTELS WHO ARE SHOVING POISON INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOODS.

I WILL CONTINUE WORKING WITH THIS LEGISLATURE TO PROTECT OUR BORDER BECAUSE UNTIL ALL ARIZONANS FEEL SECURE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DELIVER ON OUR PROMISE OF FREEDOM AND OPPORTUNITY.

IN THIS EFFORT, WE MUST BETTER SUPPORT MEMBERS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT WHO ARE ON THE FRONT LINES OF KEEPING US SAFE.

OFFICERS LIKE CAPTAIN TREVOR GRAF AND SERGEANT BECKY YORK, WHO ARE ARIZONA STATE TROOPERS.

THEY ALSO HAPPEN TO BE MARRIED.

EVERY DAY THEY WAKE UP, PUT ON THEIR UNIFORMS AND BRAVELY PROTECT OUR FAMILIES.

BUT THEIR SELFLESSNESS EXTENDS FAR BEYOND THAT.

LAST YEAR CAPTAIN GRAF AND SERGEANT YORK CHOSE TO FOSTER TWO CHILDREN, A BABY GIRL AND BABY BOY WHO HAD BEEN EXPOSED TO DANGEROUS DRUGS.

THEY WERE BORN ADDICTED TO FENTANYL, METH AND COCAINE PUTTING THEM AT HIGHER RISK OF MEDICAL ISSUES.

THANKS TO THE PAID FAMILY LEAVE MY ADMINISTRATION PUT INTO PLACE, THESE FOSTER PARENTS WERE ABLE TO BOND WITH THEIR NEW BABIES, TAKE THEM TO CRITICAL DOCTOR VISITS, GET THEM HEALTHY AND SEE THEM CRAWL FOR THE FIRST TIME.

CAPTAIN GRAF AND SERGEANT YORK, PLEASE STAND SO WE CAN ACKNOWLEDGE AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

[APPLAUSE] PAID FAMILY LEAVE WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO SO THAT PARENTS CAN TAKE CARE OF THEIR FAMILIES.

[APPLAUSE] BUT WE MUST DO MORE FOR THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO PROTECT US EVERY DAY.

THAT'S WHY MY EXECUTIVE BUDGET WILL INCLUDE A 5% PAY INCREASE FOR OUR FRONT LINE LAW ENFORCEMENT, INCLUDING STATE POLICE AND CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS.

IT'S WHY MY EXECUTIVE BUDGET WILL ALSO INCLUDE A PAY RAISE FOR THE STATE FIREFIGHTERS WHO RUN TOWARDS DANGER AND KEEP ARIZONANS SAFE EVERY DAY.

THESE WELL-DESERVED RAISES WILL NOT ONLY REWARD OUR HARDWORKING STATE WORKERS AND FIREFIGHTERS, BUT HELP US RECRUIT AND RETAIN THE BEST.

[APPLAUSE] OUR POLICE PAY RAISE WILL MEAN MORE VIOLENT CRIMINALS IN JAIL, LESS CRIME IN OUR COMMUNITIES, AND A GREATER SENSE OF SAFETY FOR ARIZONANS.

IT'S TIME TO PUT OUR MONEY WHERE OUR MOUTH IS.

IF WE CARE ABOUT KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY SAFE, IF WE CARE ABOUT OUR PUBLIC OFFICERS AND CARE ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY WE SHOULD FUND THE POLICE AND OUR FIREFIGHTERS.

[APPLAUSE] THE ARIZONA PROMISE ALSO MEANS FREEDOM, THE FREEDOM AND THE ABILITY TO MAKE YOUR OWN MEDICAL DECISIONS AND ACCESS THE HEALTH CARE YOU NEED WHEN YOU NEED IT.

MY COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING THIS FREEDOM IS IRONCLAD.

AS A MOTHER AND SOCIAL WORKER I'VE WITNESSED FIRSTHAND WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN THAT FREEDOM IS STRIPPED AWAY.

LOOK AT THE FACTS.

IN ARIZONA, OUR MATERNAL DEATH RATE QUADRUPLED FROM 1999 TO 2019 AND TODAY, WE HAVE A HIGHER RATE OF PREVENTIBLE MATERNAL DEATHS THAN THE U.S. AVERAGE.

AS A MOTHER, I FIND IT UNACCEPTABLE THAT ANY BABY SHOULD LOSE THEIR MOM TO A PREVENTIBLE CONDITION.

OR THAT PARENTS HAVE TO STRUGGLE TO GET HEALTH CARE FOR THEIR KIDS.

THAT'S WHY I'M PROUD WE WORKED TOGETHER TO PROVIDE 19,000 MORE CHILDREN WITH HEALTH INSURANCE THROUGH OUR KIDS CARE PROGRAM.

[APPLAUSE] THIS YEAR I WILL BUILD ON OUR SUCCESS AND TAKE ACTION TO SAVE THE LIVES OF NEW MOMS BY MAKING OUR 12 MONTHS POSTPARTUM COVERAGE PERMANENT.

I ALSO CALL ON THIS LEGISLATURE TO EXPAND ACCESS TO FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES TO KEEP MOMS HEALTHY.

[APPLAUSE] I BELIEVE IT'S A MORAL RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES CAN ACCESS THE CARE THEY NEED WITHOUT GOVERNMENT OVERREACH.

I'M PROUD TO HAVE SIGNED THE REPEAL.

DRACONIAN 1864 TOTAL ABORTION BAN.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] BUT UNFORTUNATELY, SOME CONTINUE TO ATTACK WOMEN'S FREEDOMS NO MATTER THE CONSEQUENCES.

I PROUDLY STOOD WITH THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF VOTERS TO ENSHRINE THE RIGHT TO ABORTION IN OUR STATE CONSTITUTION.

[APPLAUSE] ARIZONANS MADE THEIR VOICES LOUD AND CLEAR, WE WANT OUR FREEDOMS PROTECTED.

I HAVE BEEN STEADFAST IN CALLING FOR THE END OF THE ABORTION REPORTING LAW THAT REQUIRES GOVERNMENT SURVEILLANCE OF PREGNANT WOMEN AND I AGAIN CALL ON THIS LEGISLATURE TO GET RID OF THIS UNNECESSARY INVASIVE REPORT FOR GOOD.

[APPLAUSE] FURTHER, I CALL ON THIS LEGISLATURE TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR ARIZONA WOMEN AND FAMILIES BY TAKING COMMONSENSE ACTIONS.

PUT A BILL ON MY DESK TO GUARANTEE THE RIGHT TO CONTRACEPTION BECAUSE EVERY WOMAN HAS THE RIGHT -- EVERY WOMAN HAS THE RIGHT TO MAKE THEIR OWN PRIVATE MEDICAL DECISIONS WITHOUT GOVERNMENT GETTING IN THE WAY.

[APPLAUSE] AND PASS LEGISLATION TO PROTECT A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO ACCESS FERTILITY TREATMENTS BECAUSE EVERY ARIZONAN SHOULD BE ABLE TO DECIDE HOW AND WHEN TO START A FAMILY ON THEIR OWN TERMS.

[APPLAUSE] FOR ONE ARIZONAN NAMED NICOLE, CANCER NEARLY PUT MOTHERHOOD OUT OF REACH.

WHEN SHE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH LEUKEMIA AT AGE 27, HER IMMEDIATE THOUGHT WAS WOULD I BE ABLE TO HAVE KIDS?

BEFORE UNDERGOING CHEMO AND A BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT, SHE FROZE HER EGGS.

SHE'S SIX YEARS CANCER-FREE AND THANKS TO IVF SHE HAS A BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER.

SHE HOPE IVF IS PROTECTED SO OTHER WOMEN HAVE OPPORTUNITIES LIKE HER.

THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF ARIZONA WOMEN, COUPLES AND FAMILIES LIKE NICOLE WHO DESERVE TO HAVE THEIR RIGHTS PROTECTED AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD THE LIFE THEY WANT.

THAT'S WHY THESE AREN'T JUST POLICY POSITIONS, THEY'RE ACTIONS THAT EMBODY THE FUNDAMENTAL VALUES OF FREEDOM AND FAMILY.

ARIZONANS HAVE SPOKEN CLEARLY.

IT'S OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO DELIVER ON THEIR MANDATE.

[APPLAUSE] ANOTHER OF OUR SACRED FREEDOMS IS THE RIGHT TO CLEAN WATER FOR ALL.

WE MUST PROTECT THIS MOST PRECIOUS OF ARIZONA'S RESOURCES.

I WILL NEVER STOP FIGHTING FOR OUR WATER RIGHTS BECAUSE ACCESS TO WATER IS FUNDAMENTAL TO PRESERVING THE ARIZONA PROMISE.

WHETHER THAT MEANS COMBATTING FEDERAL OVERREACH, OUT OF STATE INTEREST, OR EXPLOITATION FROM BIG CORPORATIONS THAT HURT LOCAL FARMERS, SECURING OUR WATER FUTURE IS ESSENTIAL TO PRESERVING OUR WAY OF LIFE.

[APPLAUSE] WHETHER IT'S OUR USE OF CANALS AND DAMS TO PROVIDE WATER TO MILLIONS OF PEOPLE OR THE VISIONARY WATER GROUND MANAGEMENT ACT OR THE HARD WORK OF FARMERS, RANCHERS, TRIBAL NATIONS AND THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, WE'VE ALWAYS LED THE NATION IN WATER INNOVATION AND CONSERVATION.

[APPLAUSE] BUT SOME STILL LACK ACCESS TO THIS FUNDAMENTAL RESOURCE.

JUDY FROM THE COMMUNITY OF THE NAVAJO NATION HAS LIVED HER ENTIRE LIFE WITHOUT RUNNING WATER.

A CISTERN THAT ONCE HELD WATER DEVELOPED ALGAE, AND SHE MAKES THREE TRIPS IN THE SUMMER MONTHS, HAVING ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER WOULD BE LIFE CHANGING SHE SAYS.

SO IN NOVEMBER I SIGNED HISTORIC WATER SETTLEMENTS FROM LEADERS FROM FOUR TRIBAL NATIONS ENDING DECADES OF LITIGATION AND FINALLY SETTLING THEIR WATER RIGHTS.

NOW IT'S TIME FOR CONGRESS TO DO THEIR PART AND PASS THE SETTLEMENTS SO JUDY AND FUTURE COMMUNITIES HAVE ACCESS TO THE CLEAN, SAFE WATER THEY DESERVE.

[APPLAUSE] >> IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SETTLEMENTS I'VE TAKEN ACTION TO DEFEND OUR STATES WATER FROM IRRESPONSIBLE DEVELOPERS FOCUSED ONLY ON SHORT-TERM PROFITS.

[APPLAUSE] THROUGH THE WORK OF MY WATER POLICY COUNCIL WE CREATED A PROGRAM TO BUILD THE HOUSING COMMUNITIES NEED TO GROW WHILE PROTECTING THE GROUND WATER THEY RELY ON.

AND NOW I'M PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE ARIZONA WATER COMPANY AND EP CORE HAVE TAKEN THE FIRST STEPS FOR OBTAINING THE WATER SUPPLIES USING ALTERNATIVE TO GROUND WATER.

[APPLAUSE] ARIZONA COMMUNITIES FROM SUN CITY TO CASA GRANDE WILL BE ABLE TO GROW WHILE USING LESS GROUND WATER AND THAT'S JUST THE BEGINNING OF THIS INNOVATIVE PROGRAM.

WHEN WE FAIL TO TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT OUR GROUND WATER, BIG CORPORATIONS WILL RECKLESSLY OVERPUMP THIS FINITE RESOURCES REGARDLESS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE COMMUNITIES THEY HURT.

TAKE, FOR EXAMPLE, JANET RANDALL.

THE LAND BENEATH HER HOME IS SINKING.

SHE NOTICED THINGS LIKE DOORS NOT CLOSING, THEN CAME THE CRACKS IN THE FLOOR, THEN A LAYER OF BRICKS COLLAPSING IN HER LIVING ROOM.

NOW YOU CAN SEE DAYLIGHT THROUGH THE KITCHEN WALL.

IN HER COMMUNITY AND ACROSS COCHISE COUNTY, WELLS HAVE GONE DRY FORCING RESIDENTS TO MAKE AN IMPOSSIBLE DECISION, PAY BIG BUCKS TO DEEPEN THEIR WELLS OR MOVE.

LOCAL FAMILY FARMERS ARE SQUEEZED AND FEELING THE CONSEQUENCES OF OVERPUMPED GROUND WATER.

MARK CAME TO WILCOX WITH A DREAM TO FARM AND THROUGH HARD WORK, THEY MADE THAT DREAM A REALITY.

THERE'S A LOT THAT MARK AND RONA WOULD LIKE TO DO TO GROW THEIR BUSINESS, UPGRADE EQUIPMENT, PURCHASE ATTACHMENTS FOR THEIR TRACTOR, HIRE MORE WORKERS, BUT OVER THE YEARS, THE WATER IN THEIR WELL HAS GONE DOWN AND DOWN AND DOWN.

SO INSTEAD, THEY HAD TO DRAIN THEIR SAVINGS AND BORROW TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO DRILL A NEW WELL WITH A NEW PUMP, A DEBT THEY WILL BE PAYING OFF FOR YEARS.

TO FIGHT THE DANGEROUS CONSEQUENCES OF EXCESSIVE GROUND WATER PUMPING, SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE TO HELP JANET, MARK, RONA AND THEIR ENTIRE COMMUNITY.

THAT'S WHY I DESIGNATED THE WILCOX GROUND WATER BASIN AN ACTIVE WATER MANAGEMENT AREA.

[APPLAUSE] AS I SAID WHEN I STOOD BEFORE YOU LAST YEAR, WE MUST ACT NOW TO PROTECT ARIZONA'S WATER.

AND WHEN THE LEGISLATURE DIDN'T, I DID.

[APPLAUSE] I REMAIN COMMITTED TO TRUE BIPARTISAN REFORM TO PROTECT OUR GROUND WATER, BUT MARK MY WORDS, IF THIS LEGISLATURE FAILS TO ACT, I WILL AGAIN.

[APPLAUSE] FURTHER, ANY BILLS THAT ATTACK OUR ASSURED WATER SUPPLY PROGRAM UNDERMINE OUR WATER FUTURE OR OUR POLITICAL COVER FOR THIS LEGISLATURE'S LACK OF ACTION ON WATER SECURITY WILL MEET MY VETO PEN.

[APPLAUSE] FINALLY, SECURING OUR LONG-TERM WATER SUPPLIES MEANS DEFENDING ARIZONA'S RIGHTFUL SHARE OF THE COLORADO RIVER.

WHETHER I'M MEETING WITH FARMERS FROM YUMA, COMMUNITIES ACROSS CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN ARIZONA OR OTHER GOVERNORS, MY MESSAGE IS THE SAME.

I WILL ALWAYS STAND UP FOR ARIZONA'S WATER RIGHTS.

I'M PROUD TO HAVE SECURED A DEAL THAT PROTECTS ARIZONANS FROM FORCED CUTS TO OUR WATER USE THROUGH 2026, BUT THE DEADLINE IS CLOSE AND WE HAVE MORE TO DO.

THE SOLUTIONS TO OUR WATER CHALLENGES WON'T COME FROM WASHINGTON D.C.

THEY WILL COME FROM WESTERN STATES WORKING TOGETHER, NOT AGAINST EACH OTHER.

[APPLAUSE] ARIZONA HAS LED THE NATION IN WATER MANAGEMENT FOR GENERATIONS.

NOW IT'S OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CONTINUE THAT LEGACY, ENSURE OUR WATER FUTURE AND PROTECT THE ARIZONA PROMISE FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW IN OUR FOOTSTEPS.

[APPLAUSE] FINALLY, OUR CHILDREN DESERVE THE BEST PUBLIC EDUCATION, FROM PAGE TO DOUGLAS, MORE THAN 90% OF OUR K-12 STUDENTS GO TO PUBLIC SCHOOL.

THAT'S WHY OUR PATH FORWARD DEMANDS BIPARTISAN SOLUTIONS TO CREATE AND SUSTAIN THE WORLDCLASS SCHOOLS OUR CHILDREN AND PARENTS DESERVE.

PUBLIC EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO OPPORTUNITY, SECURITY, AND FREEDOM.

IT IS THE ARIZONA PROMISE.

SUCCESS MEANS OUTSTANDING TEACHERS IN EVERY CLASSROOM.

IT MEANS SMALLER CLASS SIZES TO ENABLE MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT AND LEARNING.

IT MEANS EQUIPPING KIDS WITH THE TOOLS TO SUCCEED AND IT MEANS BRINGING OVERDUE ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE ESA PROGRAMS THAT COST TAXPAYERS NEARLY ONE BILLION DOLLARS EVERY YEAR.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] MEMBERS OF THIS LEGISLATURE MUST ASK THEMSELVES, DO WE FINALLY PUT GUARDRAILS AROUND ESA'S TO PROTECT AGAINST FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE?

OR DO WE CONTINUE TO WRITE A BLANK CHECK WITH TAXPAYER MONEY?

DO WE LOWER COST BY INVESTING IN CHILD CARE AND HOUSING OR DO WE CONTINUE TO SUBSIDIZE THE RICH?

DO WE PROVIDE LIFE SAVING CARE TO NEW MOTHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN OR DO WE CONTINUE PAYING FOR GRAND PIANOS TO SIT IN MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR HOMES?

DO WE GIVE OUR POLICE A RAISE AND SECURE OUR BORDER OR DO WE CONTINUE TO PAY FOR SKI RESORT PASSES?

THE CURRENT PROGRAM IS UNCHECKED, FLAWED, AND RIFE WITH EXPLOITATION.

[APPLAUSE] THREE YEARS AGO, IT WENT FAR BEYOND ITS ORIGINAL PURPOSE, WHICH WAS TO SUPPORT KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND MILITARY FAMILIES.

TODAY IT HAS BALLOONED INTO A BILLION DOLLAR BOONDOGLE INCREASINGLY SCAMMING ARIZONANS.

[APPLAUSE] OTHER ENTITLEMENTS FUNDED BY TAXPAYERS HAVE STRICT OVERSIGHT AND INCOME REQUIREMENTS YET THE ESA PROGRAM HAS THE PRIVILEGE OF VIRTUALLY NO SAFEGUARDS.

MY EXECUTIVE BUDGET OFFERS A BALANCED SOLUTION THAT SUPPORTS FAMILIES AND FINALLY BRINGS REAL EFFECTIVE GUARDRAILS TO ESA'S.

THE SOLUTION IS SIMPLE, INSTITUTE RESPONSIBLE INCOME CAPS, ENSURE TAXPAYERS KNOW WHERE THEIR MONEY IS GOING, AND CREATE REAL ACCOUNTABILITY FOR TAXPAYER DOLLARS.

IT'S TIME TO BRING COMMONSENSE TO THIS PROGRAM.

IT'S TIME TO BRING THE SAME FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY TO ESA'S THAT WE DEMAND FROM EVERY OTHER PROGRAM IN STATE GOVERNMENT.

[APPLAUSE] THE ARIZONA PROMISE DEPENDS ON IT.

IN HIS OPENING MESSAGE TO THE FIRST REGULAR SESSION OF THE 35TH LEGISLATURE, GOVERNOR BRUCE BABBIT DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING WORDS, THE TASK IS NOT AN EASY ONE.

THE ROLE OF THE CRITIC IS ALWAYS EASIER THAN THAT OF THE PROBLEM SOLVER.

I'M CONFIDENT WE CAN RESERVE ALL THAT IS GOOD IN OUR HERITAGE WHILE ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE OF THE FUTURE.

SO AS WE WORK, DEBATE AND CRAFT SOLUTIONS TOGETHER IN THE MONTHS AHEAD, LET'S REMEMBER THOSE WORDS.

ARIZONANS ARE COUNTING ON US TO BE THEIR VOICE, TO LOWER COSTS, TO SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS AND SECURE OUR BORDER, TO DEFEND THEIR FREEDOMS AND KEEP THEIR COMMUNITIES SAFE.

TO DELIVER THE ARIZONA PROMISE.

WE ARE ALL ARIZONANS.

WE LOVE THIS STATE.

THE PEOPLE, THE NATURAL BEAUTY, THE OPPORTUNITY, AND THE FREEDOM.

WE KNOW WHAT IS POSSIBLE WHEN WE PUT OUR DIFFERENCES ASIDE AND DO WHAT'S WRITE.

NO OBSTACLE IS TOO GREAT AND NO DIVIDE IS TOO WIDE TO OVERCOME.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO SERVING, TO BUILDING A BETTER STATE TODAY AND FOR THE FUTURE, AND FOR HELPING TO RESTORE THE ARIZONA PROMISE.

NOW, LET'S GET TO WORK.

THANK YOU.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> AND JOINING US NOW FOR ANALYSIS OF THE GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS, WE WELCOME CHUCK, THE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE POLITICAL CONSULTING FIRM HIGH GROUND AND CARL GENTLES, A PARTNER IN THE AGENCY.

GENTLEMEN, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

CHARL, ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE AISLE, A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR HERE.

YOUR THOUGHTS AND OVERALL IMPRESSIONS OF WHAT YOU HEARD.

I THOUGHT SHE LAID OUT REALLY GREAT PROPOSALS.

SHE TALKED ABOUT THIS ARIZONA PROMISE AROUND OPPORTUNITY AND SECURITY AND FREEDOM AND I THINK SHE HIT ON A NUMBER OF THINGS YOU WOULD EXPECT ON REPUBLICANS TO HIT ON.

I THINK SHE TRIED TO GO AROUND THE CORNER AND UPFRONT AND BOOK-END THEM BEFORE THE SESSION STARTS.

I THOUGHT SHE HAD A GOOD SPEECH.

IT WAS A LITTLE CHILLY IN THAT ROOM.

MORE CHILLY IN THAT ROOM THAN IT WAS OUTSIDE, BUT I THINK THERE'S A LOT THAT'S GOING TO HAVE TO HAPPEN THIS SESSION.

SHE'S GOING TO NEED AN AWFUL LOT OF COMPROMISE.

SHE'S GOING TO NEED AN AWFUL LOT OF POLITICAL SKILLS AT WORK HERE BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY, IT'S A DIVIDED GOVERNMENT AND SHE'S GOING TO HAVE A REALLY CHALLENGING TIME WITH THE REPUBLICANS, I THINK, THIS YEAR TRYING TO PASS ANY OF HER AGENDA.

>> WHAT DO YOU THINK?

WHAT DID YOU SEE AND WHAT DID YOU HEAR?

>> I HEARD A LOT OF THE SAME THINGS THAT CARL IS TALKING ABOUT.

SHE HIT ALL THE TALKING POINTS.

YOU KNOW, IF YOU POLL ON JOBS, JOB TRAINING, ECONOMIC SECURITY, TAX CREDITS FOR CHILD CARE, YOU HIT-- THOSE ARE ALL REALLY POPULAR PROGRAMS ACROSS THE BOARD.

YOU WOULDN'T KNOW IT.

[LAUGHTER] >> BY THE RECEPTION, THE WATER SECURITY PROGRAMS THAT SHE TALKED ABOUT, YOU KNOW, THE COLORADO RIVER, WHICH OUGHT TO BE A UNIFORM OVATION DOWN THERE, DIDN'T GET ANYTHING FROM THEM.

IT'S A VERY HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT FOR HER.

SHE HAS HAD A HARD TIME DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THIS PRESIDENT AND THE SPEAKER AND ANY REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP DOWN THERE.

SHE'S EVEN STRUGGLED WITH SOME OF HER OWN MINORITY PARTY RELATIONSHIPS.

SO HOW SHE EXECUTES ON THAT, THAT'S THE MAGIC OF WHAT HAPPENS DURING A LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

>> TO CHUCK'S POINT, I MEAN, A LOT OF THE THINGS SHE TALKED ABOUT SHOULD BE REALLY BIPARTISAN, RIGHT?

LET'S GET SUPPORT FOR CHILD CARE, TRY AND GET HOMELESS VETERANS OFF THE STREET AND THERE ARE JUST, SOME OF THESE THINGS, THEY'RE GREAT PROPOSALS, WE'LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS AS THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION GOES ALONG.

SOMETHING WAS JUST NOT QUITE THERE IN THE AUDIENCE.

I WAS LISTENING TO THE APPLAUSE WE HEARD BECAUSE THE RESPONSE WAS KIND OF MUTED.

I WAS GOING TO SAY, I DON'T REMEMBER A STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS WITH SUCH TEPID RESPONSE.

>> YEAH, EXACTLY.

AND THEN, YOU KNOW, WE DIDN'T SEE IT, BUT WARREN PETERSON LED OFF BEFORE THE SENATE PRESIDENT LED OFF BEFORE HER SPEECH AND EVEN QUALIFIED, YOU KNOW, THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE EVERYBODY'S LOOKING FOR IN THIS SESSION IS THE 123 EXTENSION, THE EXTENSION OF THE STATE LAND TRUST DEAL.

>> BEFORE WE GO FURTHER WITH THAT, THE IDEA OF THE SENATE PRESIDENT BASICALLY DOING HIS OWN SPEECH BEFORE THE STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS, IS THAT JUST BECAUSE THEY'RE DIFFERENT-- I DON'T REMEMBER THAT HAPPENING.

>> IT HAS.

HE DID IT LAST YEAR AND I SAW HIM DO IT THIS YEAR, TOO.

IT'S A FIRST AND YOU KNOW, YOU GUYS AREN'T COVERING IT, BUT THAT'S THE WHOLE BODY THAT HE'S TALKING TO IN THERE AND HE LAID OUT A VERY CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSAL TO ENSHRINE ESA'S IN THE CONSTITUTION, ALONG WITH THE EXTENSION OF 123.

THOSE TWO I THINK SO THIS DON'T GO TOGETHER AND THAT'S GOING TO JEOPARDIZE THAT EXTENSION.

>> WHAT HAPPENED IF THEY ACTUALLY GOT THAT ACROSS AND GOT THAT ON A BALLOT?

FIRST OF ALL, DO YOU THINK THEY CAN GET THAT ON THE BALLOT?

>> I DON'T THINK THEY CAN.

ESA IS A NONSTARTER FOR THE GOVERNOR, SO, I THINK, YOU KNOW, IF IT'S TIED TO PROP 123, PROP 123 IS NOT GOING TO GO ANYWHERE WITH HER.

SO THEY'VE GOT TO COME UP WITH A COMPROMISE AND DECOUPLE THOSE THINGS.

>> THE IDEA THAT THIS IS A REFERRAL AND THEY CAN GO AROUND THE GOVERNOR, THEY CAN GO AROUND TO A CERTAIN EXTENT?

>> THEY CAN GO AROUND TO A CERTAIN EXTENT IF THEY JUST PUT IT ON THE 26 BALLOT.

THIS EXPIRES IN THIS FISCAL YEAR, IN THIS JULY OF THIS YEAR.

IT'S OVER.

AND SO, THE BLAME FOR THE NONRENEWAL OF THAT EXTENSION WILL FALL ON THE REPUBLICANS.

>> SQUARELY ON THEIR SHOULDERS.

SO THEY'VE GOT TO COME UP WITH SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

>> A BIG GAME OF CHICKEN GOING ON.

>> THAT'S AN ABSOLUTE NONSTARTER.

>> AND WE KNOW WHAT THE PUBLIC SEEMS NOT TO BE CRAZY ABOUT ESA THE LAST TIME IT WAS ON THE BALLOT IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY.

>> YOU ARE RIGHT.

AND NOW, YOU KNOW, THE SECRETARY OF EDUCATION, OR TOM HORNER SAID HE'S NOT GOING TO LOOK AT ANYTHING UNDER 19 OR $2,000, SO BASICALLY PLEASE FLEECE ME UP TO 1999 AND YOU'LL BE FINE.

>> JUST DON'T TAKE TOO MUCH, BUT WE'LL GET TO YOU LATER.

>> YOUR POINT IS WELL TAKEN.

WHEN THIS WAS REFERRED, AS WE ALL RECALL, AND GOVERNOR DUCEY GOT IT PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE AND THE EDUCATION ADVOCATES REFERRED IT TO THE BALLOT AND THEY PREVAILED AT THE BALLOT, DEFEATING IT, AND THEN HE BROUGHT IT BACK THREE SESSIONS AGO AT THE END OF THE SESSION, AND THEY INSTITUTIONALIZED ESA'S IN EXCHANGE FOR SEVERAL OTHER THINGS, FOR 100 MILLION DOLLARS IN POVERTY WEIGHTED FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS AND A BUNCH OF OTHER STUFF.

HE GOT THAT DONE.

BUT NOW, YOU KNOW, THE HUE AND CRY FROM THE DEMOCRATS IS, WE NEED OVERSIGHT ON THAT.

IT'S TAXPAYER DOLLARS, AND SHE REFERRED TO THAT SEVERAL TIMES, TAXPAYER DOLLARS SHOULD BE ACCOUNTED FOR.

>> AND WHO WOULD BE AGAINST OVERSIGHT OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS?

THAT'S THE REAL QUESTION THAT REALLY, I THINK, PIERCE AND THE REPUBLICANS NEED TO ANSWER.

IF THEY ARE VERY-- IF THEY ARE CONFIDENT IN THE WAY THE ESA PROGRAM IS WORKING SHUNTS BE A PROBLEM WITH ANY OVERSIGHT.

>> AS FAR AS THE WATER IS CONCERNED, SHE SAID, WILCOX BASIN, THAT WAS A BIG POINT OF CONTENTION, BUT WITH THAT AND OTHER AREAS OF ACTIVE WATER MANAGEMENT, GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT, IF THE LEGISLATURE FAILS, I'LL DO SOMETHING, SOME POINTED THING SHE SAID IS ABOUT WATER.

>> I THINK SHE HAS TO, BY THE WAY.

THE WHOLE SPEECH IN THIS ENTIRE SESSION WAS REALLY, YOU HAVE TO PUT IT ON THE BACK DROP OF 2026 ELECTION COMING UP, RIGHT?

SHE'S DOING WHAT SHE CAN TO LAY OUT HER POLICY AGENDA FOR THIS SESSION, BUT REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO WHAT THIS -- THIS ELECTION IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE AND WATER IS GOING TO BE A BIG ISSUE.

BORDER SECURITY IS GOING TO BE A BIG ISSUE AND PROP 123 WILL BE A BIG ISSUE.

>> WHAT SHE'S REFERRING TO THERE IS THE GILA BEND BASIN, THE GILA BEND AREA BY BUCKEYE WHICH HAS THE SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS SIMILAR TO WHAT COCHISE COUNTY HAS, THAT'S GOING TO BE THE NEXT AMA UNLESS THEY ACT.

AND THE AMA DOES A LOT OF THINGS, BUT IT AFFECTS THE ENTIRE REGION RATHER THAN PRESCRIBING SPECIFIC CONSERVATION POLICIES THAT CAN AFFECT AN AQUIFER.

AND SOME REPUBLICANS HAVE BEEN WORKING SOME IDEAS TO DO THAT.

I WAS HOPEFUL SHE WOULD HAVE CALLED THEM OUT.

I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH SENATOR DUNN OR OTHERS ON THINGS OR HOUSING STUFF WITH SELENA BLISS.

YOU DIDN'T HEAR THAT TODAY, BUT YOU KNOW, SHE'S GOING TO NEED THAT REPUBLICAN PARTICIPATION IN ORDER TO GET SOME OF THOSE THINGS DONE.

>> FOR THAT 2026 GUBERNATORIAL RACE.

THE ISSUE OF WATER, WHAT SIDE DOES IT FALL ON?

>> IT SHOULDN'T FALL ON EITHER SIDE.

>> BUT IT'S A CAMPAIGN ISSUE, IT'S A CAMPAIGN ISSUE.

WHO'S GOT THE UPPER HAND HERE?

>> THE CONVERSATION STUFF IS OVERWHELMINGLY POPULAR.

>> YEAH.

>> YOU KNOW, IN A STATEWIDE BALLOT, SORRY TO MENTION THIS, 63% OF THE POPULATION LIVES HERE IN MARICOPA COUNTY, I'M NOT GOING TO BE DEFENDING THE RANCHERS AND FARMERS OUT THERE.

SO ON THOSE TYPES OF ISSUES, IT'S OVERWHELMINGLY POPULAR ON STATEWIDE STUDIES TO DO SOMETHING TO HELP PRESERVE AQUIFERS IN GREATER ARIZONA.

>> OKAY, SO IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS, IT SOUNDED LIKE THE SPEECH WAS RELATIVELY EVEN KEELED AND TOWARD THE END WHEN YOU GOT TO WATER AND ESA'S AND THESE SORTS OF THINGS, ANY IDEA THAT FERTILITY AND THE RIGHT TO CONTRACEPTION, IS THE LEGISLATURE GOING ANYWHERE WITH THAT?

>> LOOK, SHE'S VERY CLEAR SHE'S GOING TO PROTECT REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOMS AS MUCH AS SHE POSSIBLY CAN AND I THINK SHE HAS, SHE HAS A PRETTY BIG STICK TO CARRY RIGHT NOW ON THIS ISSUE, GIVEN WHAT SHE DID WITH THE ABORTION REPEAL, 1863 LAW, SO, WE'LL SEE A LITTLE BIT MORE OF HER ABILITY-- HER ATTEMPT TO TRY AND PROTECT WOMEN'S FREEDOMS IN IVF, IVF, CONTRACEPTIVE ACCESS AND THOSE SORTS OF THINGS AND BY THE WAY, THOSE ARE INDIVIDUAL FREEDOMS THAT THE REPUBLICANS ARE TYPICALLY KNOWN FOR TRYING TO PROTECT AND I THINK, AGAIN, SHE'S KIND OF DONE A LITTLE END AROUND ON THEM TO TRY AND MAKE SURE THAT SHE'S GOT HER POSITION STAKED OUT AS SHE GOES INTO THIS ELECTION.

>> WE WERE TALKING EARLIER HOW COLD IT WAS IN THAT ROOM RECEPTION-WISE.

IT WILL BE A COLDER DAY IF ANYTHING LIKE THAT GETS DONE DOWN THERE.

THE REPUBLICANS ARE NOT IN FAVOR OF LIBERALIZING ANY TYPE OF CONTRACEPTIVE LEGISLATION.

REMEMBER WHAT THE STRUGGLE WAS WITH GETTING THE 1864 BAN, WE NEEDED A COUPLE OF REPUBLICANS TO DO THAT.

SHE GOT THEM.

AND EVEN THAT WASN'T APPLAUDEDED TODAY DOWN THERE.

THAT'S A HOT BUTTON ISSUE.

>> WE'VE GOT IT STOP IT THERE.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US, THAT'S IT FOR NOW.

I'M TED SIMONS, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US ON THE SPECIAL EDITION OF ARIZONA HORIZON.

YOU HAVE A GREAT EVENING.

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