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Published on January 14, 2025
Governor Katie Hobbs Outlines "Arizona Promise" in State of the State Address, Emphasizes Housing, Child Care, and Veteran IssuesSource: Facebook/Governor Katie Hobbs

On the heels of Governor Katie Hobbs' recent State of the State address, Arizonans are weighing the implications of her vision for the state's future. In her speech, the Governor laid out a plan rooted in what she calls the "Arizona Promise," a commitment to ensuring opportunity, security, and freedom for its residents, as reported by the Governor's official website.

Beginning her address, Governor Hobbs acknowledged the impact of the California wildfires and Arizona's role in addressing the crisis. Hobbs highlighted the resilience of Arizonans, specifically Felicia Siyuja of the Havasupai Tribal Council, who the Governor credited with guiding over 100 tourists to safety amid devastating floods. "Her service and heroism show how even in our most devastating moments, Arizonans are there to offer hope and a helping hand," Hobbs stated, according to her office's release.

The Governor discussed the substantial strides made under her administration, yet emphasized that work remains, specifically concerning housing affordability in Arizona. She spotlighted the success story of Maria Magdalena Contreras, a single mother and medication technician who recently became a homeowner, symbolizing the efforts of those striving to grasp the Arizona Promise. Furthermore, Governor Hobbs put forth plans to extend the State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and double the number of beneficiaries under the "Arizona Is Home" program aimed at first-time homebuyers. She also proposed measures to stem the trend of out-of-state speculators converting family homes into party houses by ending "the top-down government mandate that denies our neighborhoods a voice," as stated by the Governor's Office.

Governor Hobbs addressed veterans' homelessness, aiming to eradicate it in the next decade with the new Homes for Heroes Fund. She introduced the Working Families Child Care Act to cut childcare costs by two-thirds. Highlighting economic growth, she praised recent graduate Orrin Bates and entrepreneur Alexa Rodriguez, who benefited from state programs. Hobbs called for bipartisan support to renew Prop 123, funding public education without tax increases.

In matters of public safety and law enforcement, Governor Hobbs reaffirmed her commitment to border security and recognized Staff Sergeant Everett Griggs of the Arizona National Guard for his contributions. She called for support and a pay raise for frontline law enforcement, as well as state firefighters, to aid in recruitment and retention efforts. Healthcare freedom also took center stage, with Governor Hobbs reiterating her defense of reproductive rights and access to necessary medical services for women, pointing out the state's troubling maternal death rate. "I believe it’s a moral responsibility to ensure women and their families can access the care they need without government overreach," she declared, as per the release from her office.

Finally, Governor Hobbs reiterated her stance on protecting Arizona's water resources, pledging to "never stop fighting for our water rights," thereby upholding what she believes the Arizona Promise embodies for current and future generations.