Hobbs Puts ‘Arizona Promise’ in the Spotlight During State of the State Address

In her state-of-the-state address on Monday, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs emphasized potential bipartisan efforts with the Republican-controlled Legislature, particularly in the realms of border security and law enforcement salary increases.

However, she did not shy away from criticizing GOP-backed initiatives. Hobbs pointed to a lack of accountability within the popular universal school voucher program and introduced a new alternative path to ensure water supply, a move met with skepticism from Republican lawmakers.

As the 2025 legislative session kicks off, Hobbs, alongside Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Montenegro, encouraged collaboration, though the effectiveness of this call remains to be seen.

Following their successes in the November elections, Republicans maintain slim majorities in both legislative chambers. Collaboration with Hobbs will be crucial for turning their proposals into law.

Both Hobbs and Petersen outlined their priorities for the year, acknowledging shared goals such as affordable housing, improving K-12 education, and addressing water sustainability. Yet, consensus on solutions may prove challenging.

Hobbs articulated her vision of restoring the “Arizona Promise,” which she argues has waned for many citizens. She stresses that hard work should enable individuals to build better lives for themselves and their families.

“Since I became governor, we have achieved much together by finding common ground, but we must do more,” Hobbs declared from the Arizona House of Representatives floor.

Addressing housing concerns, Hobbs underscored the necessity of extending the state’s low-income housing tax credit and curtailing the rise of vacation rentals owned by out-of-state corporations.

Conversely, Petersen criticized Hobbs’ moratorium on new residential construction, attributing it, in part, to escalating housing costs. He maintained that Arizona could simultaneously enhance its housing stock and safeguard its water resources.

Discontent bubbled among Republicans when Hobbs referenced the new alternative path to assured water supply, prompting boos from some attendees.

The Arizona Department of Water Resources’ initiative aims to facilitate construction in the Valley but drew accusations from GOP lawmakers of overstepping legislative authority.

“We must build. We have the water to support the growth,” Senate President Pro Tem T.J. Shope responded in a video addressing Hobbs’ speech.

Petersen claimed that transitioning agricultural land for urban development could alleviate water shortages, urging Hobbs to support such measures this time around.

“As I said last year, we must act now to protect Arizona’s water,” Hobbs reiterated, warning of consequences if the Legislature fails to act on this pressing issue.

Regarding border security, Petersen affirmed Republican backing for Proposition 314, which would empower state law enforcement to arrest undocumented immigrants suspected of breaking the law. With the law currently stalled due to legal issues elsewhere, he asserted ongoing support for border initiatives.

While Hobbs highlighted the deployment of National Guard troops assisting at the border, she opted not to discuss Proposition 314 or immigration policies directly.

In terms of education, Hobbs called for improvements to Arizona’s K-12 public schools, advocating for reduced class sizes and attracting skilled teachers.

Furthermore, she spotlighted the need for greater oversight of the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program to prevent misuse of funds, a concern echoed by Democratic lawmakers.

Despite criticisms, Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne noted his department’s strides in combating waste and fraud within the ESA program.

The showdown over educational funding is set to continue, especially concerning Proposition 123 and its ramifications for teacher pay and school resources.

Both parties agreed on the significance of addressing childcare costs, with Hobbs proposing the Working Families Childcare Act to alleviate financial burdens on parents.

In a rare moment of unity, members from both sides applauded Hobbs’ pledge to enhance pay for law enforcement and correctional officers to ensure community safety.

While Hobbs did not address election integrity in her address, Republicans emphasized its critical importance for the forthcoming tenure, highlighting the need for reforms to expedite electoral processes.

Lastly, Hobbs received support from lawmakers following her success in repealing a long-standing abortion ban, a move that underscored the ongoing debates surrounding reproductive rights in Arizona.