Hobbs Unveils Arizona Promise as Key Focus in State of the State Address

In her state-of-the-state address on Monday, Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs recognized potential areas for bipartisan cooperation with the Republican-controlled Legislature, including border security and increased compensation for law enforcement officers.

However, she did not shy away from criticizing the GOP’s favored programs. Hobbs highlighted issues of accountability within Arizona’s universal school voucher program—a key initiative for Republicans—and introduced a new strategy for securing water supplies, an area where her Republican detractors have questioned her authority.

As Arizona’s 2025 legislative session commenced, both Hobbs and Republican leaders expressed a desire for collaboration, though the path forward remains uncertain. The recent elections have bolstered the GOP’s slim majorities, giving them significant power as they seek to enact their legislative agenda.

Speech text: Hobbs: ‘The Arizona promise is personal to me’

The two parties have identified housing affordability and water management as critical priorities. Hobbs called for an extension of the state’s low-income housing tax credit and advocated against the rising number of vacation rentals owned by out-of-state corporations, which she believes are escalating housing costs.

Senate President Warren Petersen, addressing the assembled lawmakers just before Hobbs, attributed soaring housing prices in part to her moratorium on new residential construction, which he described as “senseless.” He claimed it limits growth while also protecting water resources.

Some Republicans voiced their discontent when Hobbs mentioned the Arizona Department of Water Resources’ new alternative path for assured water supply, a measure designed to facilitate construction in more areas. They accused her administration of overstepping its authority by bypassing legislative input in its implementation.

On water sustainability, Petersen suggested converting agricultural land to urban use as a viable solution to balance growth and water availability. Last year, Hobbs vetoed similar legislation, but she urged cooperation on these matters moving forward.

Petersen reiterated Republican support for Proposition 314, a voter-approved measure that empowers Arizona law enforcement to detain undocumented immigrants under specific circumstances. As this provision is stalled due to legal challenges, he insisted on the importance of border security.

While Hobbs did not directly address Proposition 314, she emphasized her commitment to supporting border security initiatives, highlighting the success of the National Guard in aiding federal authorities in seizing illegal narcotics.

In regards to education, Hobbs stressed the need to elevate Arizona’s public K-12 schools to high standards by attracting exceptional educators and reducing class sizes. This includes calls for enhanced oversight of the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which critics argue is susceptible to abuse.

Data show that more than 83,000 students are currently enrolled in the ESA program, costing the state nearly $1 billion annually. Democratic leaders raised concerns about expenditures related to the program, accusing Republicans of neglecting accountability measures. Conversely, Republican officials maintain that the program has been effectively managed under their oversight.

During her address, Hobbs also highlighted her intentions to significantly reduce childcare costs for families through the proposed Working Families Childcare Act.

A notable point of agreement arose regarding support for first responders, with Hobbs’ proposal for a 5% pay raise for state law enforcement and correctional officers receiving bipartisan applause.

Hobbs avoided discussing election integrity during her speech, but Republican leaders across both chambers indicated they would prioritize this issue, seeking to improve the efficiency of Arizona’s electoral processes.

In a moment that drew applause from Democratic legislators, Hobbs celebrated the successful repeal of an abortion ban from 1864 and the recent Arizona Abortion Access Act, which establishes the right to abortion in the state constitution, a measure that received overwhelming voter support in November.