Transcripts For CSPAN Arizona 20240705

Moving 100,000 milesf new infrastructure to reach those who need it most. Chaer communications supports cspan as a public service. Along with these other providers, giving you a front row seat to democracy. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs spoke to the state legislature about Border Security, education investment, Housing Affordability, and reproductive rights for women. In her second state of the state address since she was elected two years ago. From phoenix, this is 45 minutes. It is my honor to stand before you today at the opening of the second regular session of the 56 legislature. Here on land that will always be connected to the salt river Pima Maricopa indian community. What a year it has been. We have worked together, debated each other,ushed one another, and most importantly, put aside our differences when it mattered most to dohat is right for arizona and the people who call it home. I think we can all agree it certainly has not been easy. But our constituents did not send us here to solve easy problems or take the easy way out. They are relying on us to ensure arizonas economyorks for middleclass families, that we are taking action on securing the border that the federal government has so clearly failed. [applause] that we continue creating good paying jobs for workingclass arizonans. That we help lower costs on everyday items. That our water feature is secure. Thatur schools are safe a spaces of opportunity. That health ca is accessible for those who need it and when they need it, and that our ghts and freedoms are protted. [applause] as a born and ised arizonan, a cial worker, mom, and sister of two publicschool sister schoolteachers, these are the reasons i wake up every day to fight on behalf of arizona as we embark on this new year, one that will be filled with ghs and low, tough oices and compromise, it is my sincere hope we never lose sight of why our fellow arizonans bestowed upon us the honor of representi them, and why we must always strive for progress and for a better tomorrow. With that, im proud to share the progress we have made in the past year on many of these key issues. D just as iortantly, i look forward to tlining the work before us in the months ahead. The foundation of what we do as elected officials in the capal is rooted in keeping arizona families safe. That is why we canno go forward without first addrsing washingtons ongoing failure to secure our southern border. The failure decades in the making under both democratic and republican administrations. On my fellow arizonans gave me the honor of this office, i pledged to not play the same political games that created this crisis and have continually heard communities, families our state. No one understands the misguided efforts of the past more than our neighbors, Small Business owners, and local Law Enforcement near the border who work every day to offer solutions where the federal government has failed. Onneeds to look no furth than the decision to clues close the port of entry which did nothing to solve our immigration crisis, but did hurt businesses and families. My administration worked tirelessly to reverse this shortsighted action about the federal government and took extraordinary steps, including sending the National Guard to the border to bring security and common sense to thsituation. [applause] hday in and day out, hear from leaders on the border who need support because they are stepping up wherthe federal government canor wont. This year, they ask for boots on the ground, improved communication systems, resources to combat human trafficking, and the latest technology to keep communities on both sides of the border safe. And i delivered by refusing to waste money on cheap political stunts, we awarded over 84 million to help border communities manage th massive infl in migrants. [applause] so we must do more. That is why i launched operation secure. Creating a Border Coordination Office within the Arizona Department ohomeland security. This session, i am seeking ongoing funding to better coordinate our Border Response and continue fighting the humanitarian, economic, an enforcement crisis. This new funding will expand the operation with critical investments and Border Security as well as resourceso intercept the flow of fentanyl. Every arizonan should make sure we are taking significant and meaningful steps to keep them safe. Even when the federal government refuses to. These vestments will strengthen Law Enforcement efforts, raise awaress through an education campaign, and expand harm and treatment services, particularly in rul areas. Togeth, lets continue to find Real Solutions, support Law Enforcement, first responders, and Community Leaders on the front lines of this issue an push washington to do its job to secure our border. [applause] and just as i will continue to hold the federal government accountable, we will continue our fiscal duty to this state. We face in approximately 850 million shortll between this fiscal year and the next. And make no mistake, it will take all of us working together to solve this gap without harming arizonans. To all those who call this state home, let me share this message. We will not shirk our responsibilities, and we will not kick the can down the road for our children and next generation to solve. And we will not cut spending on vital services. [applause] to those in this chamber today, the people of ariza are counting on us, and we will not let them down. Let us find Common Ground focused on Real Solutions and strengthen our state balance sheet. You will see the details on how i plan to address this gap when my budget is released later this week. We will rein in wasteful spending without sacrificing Public Safety and public education. We will establish guard on unaccountable programs without hurting hardworki families. [applause] and we will tighten our collective belts to increase efficiencies and innovation without stating programs that support Small Businesses, seniors, and those in need. I look forward to working with leadership a members from both sides of the aisle in the months ahead to get the job done. Despite our budget issues, we have much to be proud of in our amazing state. Nowhere is it more apparent that the state of our state is ascending than in the unprecedented strength of arizonas job market in the record investment in our economy. Lets celebrate that today, more arizonans are employed than at any point in our states history. [applause] this milestone is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our entrepreneurs and innovators, Community Colleges, universities, tradespeople, and so many who recognize the promise of arizona. Just as impressively, our state has attracted 32 billion dollars in foreign investment. More than california, texas, or any other state in the nation. That 32 billion means jobs, jobs, and more jobs for working people in arizona. [applause] and we are jt getting started. Arizona leads the way in attracting the hightech and advanced manufacturing businesses building our nations future. Im proud to say these achievements we possible because of partnerships between the public and private sector. We should applaud the chambers of commerce and Economic Development groups across the state, and most particularly, the arizona commerce authority, for their tireless efforts to attract new highqualit jobs. Jobs that can be lifechanging for families and transformational for communities. With this continued success, there is no question we must have continuation of their is on a commerce authority. [applause] as i said, we are just getting stted. So now is not the time to rest. It is critical all of us continue to Work Together, jus as we did on a Bipartisan Coalition on house and Senate Members came together to pass last years budget and put a prop 400 extension on the ballot. [applause] rather than letting partisan politics prevail, we stood gether, helped ensure the continued success of our sta, and enable re arizona families to prosper. That is the power of finding Common Ground and doing whats next for the people of ts state. And make no mistake, i will always put the people of arizona first. [applae] that is why ive taken action to ensure our strengthening economies provide opportunities for any arizonan who wants to succeed. With our invtment and future 48 workforce accelerators, we ll prepare thousands of arizonans every year for jobs, buildi our nations future in Industries Like semiconductors, renewable energy, and aerospace and defense. And my a print Ship Initiative aims t double the numbers of apprentices and on the trade to meet the needs of our 21st century economy. It is thesprograms along wit a strong Higher Education system and access to childcare that will ensure more arizonans have the ability to g a good job that support themsels and their families. [applause] and we will continue the success by building the infrtructure and deploying theechnology needed to expand highspeed intern to every Community Across our state with the near 1 billion arizona will receive. Highspeed is crucial for businesses, health care, and education. Particularly our rural and tral communities on the front lines of our rapidly changing economy. We must build fast, reliable, and affordable badband access for every azonan, no matter where they live. [applause] as you can see, our state onomy is strong. And its opportunities are abundant. However, we cannot ignore the fact that for arizonans across all age, color, and geographical boundaries, our Housing Affordability crisis has erased feelings of prosperitfor too many. I personally felt the fear and uncertainty of not knong how you will make your next mortgage payment. That is why i will always fight just as hard for your family as i fought f mine. And i will never stop working to find solutions to the housing affordabily crisis. [applause] th past year, i worked with many of you at the liege legislature to find new and effective ways to address this issue. We directed 150 million to keep more arizonans housed rough rental assistance programs. We allocatedoney to provide legal aid for up to one million more arizonans facing eviction or housing instability. And we made a historic investment to create more housing that is actually affordable for middleclass families. Further, we accelerated the awarding of low Income Housing taxredits that enables the Arizona Department housing to ximize the building of Affordable Housing across e state. This particur effort led directly to 15 new Affordable Housing developments. Half of which are in rural communities. [applause] these actions should only be the first of many we take to help ensure longtime residents, young professionals, and middleclass izonans are protected from being priced out of the communities and states they love. I was born and raised in an arizona where a middleclass family coulduy their own home. And that shoulde the reality for the next generation, too. But toake it so, we must take action. That is why today, im announcing that arizona is home mogage assistance program. [applause] this program will help workingclass families throughout the state with payment assistance and Mortgage Interest Rate release relief. A family of four living in phoenix making up to 75,000 a year will have the opportunity to purchase a quality, affordab home. [applause] and we will enhance homebuyers forr rural commuties by providing access to lessostly home loans for wkingclass households. [applause] these are good, tangible steps toreating access to housing at affordable prices. But they alone will not solve the crisis acrosour state. I look forward to working with anmember of this legislature to find innovate and Effective Solutions to hp arizonans access the homes they and thei loved ones need to thrive. Of course, to discuss arizonas future, we must also talk about water. How to protect what we have today, how to navigate the challenges ahead, and how to maximize opportunities when Mother Nature offers them. Next to thcareful planning and bipartisanship of generatis of leaders before us, arizona is at the fofront of Water Conservation and innovatn. Our state uses less water today than in e mid1950s. Even as our population has boomed. However, just because we have been successful in the past does not mean we can relax about the future. Wean rect the dooayers, but we must always have open and host conversations about Water Resources. Not shy away because they can be difficult. [applause] as the first year of my administration has shown, i will take Decisive Action to protect arizonas water features. Before this chamr last year, i highlighted pumping groundter in laplace county with essentiay no oversight. After i sent investigators and found they were in violation of their lease, i ended it. And asf next month, all butl valley leases held by this entity will be terminated, protecting water from nearby communities. I will continue working with everybody, farmers and agricultural interests, urban and rural communities, local and regional entities, to find the solutions weeed to ensure our water feature is secure for tomorr and for generations. Theres no better example of this than the agreement i negotiated earlier this year with our neighbors, nevada and californ, to conserve at least 3 million acrefeet of water, enough per 9 million homes for 9 million homes, by 2026. With this historic agreement, we stood up to the federal governments egregious plan to slash arizonas water, and we safeguardeour natural resources. But this is only a starting point. We have not put the decas long drought in our rearview marriott. We must always strive to do more to expanding publicprivate partnerships, increasing conservation, exploring new technology, and maintaining a steadfast commitment to strengthening protection where needed. The bipartisan water polic council i created last year comprised of water leaders from across the state with a wide range of experience. It has embodied the spirit with a series of commonsense recommendations to secure our water feature. For decades, rural arizonans who have begged, demanded, and fought to protect her groundwater have been ignored. Now after 40 years of waiting, it is time we finally take action and update her groundwater management laws. [applause] hat is why we must have the courage to take action where others havent and empower rural arizonans to have a say in how their water is used. And for too long, weve allowed developments that skirted our smart and common sense Consumer Protections for water availability. We must close the loopholes that allow wildcat developments. Our water rules give families and businesses confidence to respect in our state, and we we cannot continue to allow individuals and corporations to exploit these loopholes and rob us of our water features. We all recognize our state is growing, and we must continue to adapt while maintaining our longheld status as a National Leader in water management. Our water standards are the key to our strong economy. I refused to sacrifice them for unchecked growth. But i will continue in arizonas bipartisan tradition of growing our economy all protecting our states most precious resource. Ive directed the Arizona Department of wate resources to finalize a new pathway for water providers and cmunities who have historically relied on groundWater Resources. This new alternative designation of Water Resources program will provide an opportunity for these entities to achieve a 100 year assured water supply by contributing n water sources and reducing groundwater pumping, which will ensure our fure growth is both smart and sustainable. [applause] let us remember water and drought do not care about Party Registration or job titles, or whether you live in an urban or rural community. We can only protect our Water Supplies by working together. I stand ready to work with you for legislation that makes the changes we need to safeguard arizonas water for tomorrow. And to those of you whoave spent years refusing to act, if you dont, i will. [applause] i was born and raised in arizona. And i chose to raise my family here. My kids attended Public Schools. I am a sister of two Public School teachers. I knowhat having a highquality education can mean to millions of arizonans. But sadly, we too often fall short. We must continue investing in our Public Schools to ensure arizona truly is the best place to raise a family. So i applaud the Bipartisan Group of legislators who did the right thing to pass an oveide to the aggregate expenditure limit,roviding certainty schools uld stay open and kids would continue learning. [applause] and i stand ready to work with legislators to find a permanent solution going forward. In aition to the ael override, we worked together tfind bipartisan solution to further suppt our Public School. Including a 300 million infusion for k12 schools. Lets build on that success and nd an Even Stronger pp 123 to the voters th will provide our Public Schools another decade of funding rtainty. [applause] without question, we must give teachers a raise [applause] but we must also hear that arizonans are asking us to do more. Lets take this opportunity to increase compensation for teachers a the support staff who are all critica for student success. [applause] and lets take the necessary stepto invest in School Safety i look forward to collaborating with you to move these solutions forward. By working together to strengthen prop23, we will prove to arizona parents and students we are building a worldclaspublic Education System they deserve, and that our state needs for the future. We must not let this opportuni pass us by. In this upcoming session, we must also address the longterm health of our k12 schls, which means we must address the lack of accountability and transparency in arizonaesa program. We have seen a steady stream of coverage around unacceptable and sometimes downright outrageous use of taxpayer money under this ogram. Including waterpark admissions, ski passes, and luxy car driving lessons. It is our responsibility as stewards of this state to put in place guardrails to ensure taxpayer dollars dedicated to education argues properly. [applause] without these guardrails, fraud and abuse take root and thrive. That is why we must take action to bring transparency and accountability on behalf of arizona parents and all taxpayer we can deliver Commonsense Solutions like ending the luxury spending, keeping our church and safe by requiring background checks for educators, and expanding the authority of the auditor general. Additionally, lets require recipients to have attended a Public School for at least 100 days. A reasonable standard that would save our state a quarter billion dollars. [applause] my message to parents across arizona co out whether your family takes part in this program are not, now is the time todvocate for accountability and transparency. Not a blank check. [applause] if we fail to doo, the current projected price tag of 1 million is only the start. Turning our attention to Higher Education, our state universities continue to lead the way in innovation, pushing boundaries and helping more arizonfamilies achieve their dreams. [applause] this can be seen in our Healthy Tomorrow Initiative that will produce over 2500 more Health Care Professionals every year. Working together, we will create a new generation of doctors, nurses, and Health Care Professionals while offering communities across our state badly needed access to health care. We are early in this journey. But we should be proud of our state universities for their steadfast effort to build a better tomorrow for arizona. [applause] im calling on this leglature to work with me to begin a new engineering focused middle school medical school at Arizona State university. To double the size of university of arizona medical sools and start a new medical school focus on serving rural and tribal communities at Northern Arizona universitys. [applause] as someone who had to work my way through college and who would not be here today without the scholarships and financial aid, ensuring Higher Education is sustainable for any arizonan who wants it is personal to me. And i know ny in this chamber recognize we have a duty to make Higher Education as acssible as possible. We should be proud of the projects progress we have made in this area through securing significant investments in tribal colleges as well as new fundg for Community Colleges in rural arizona. However, we must also recognize many of our actions have been onetime investments. We must seize the opportunity as our budget outlook improves to strengthen support efforts such as scholarship programs for students from low income households. Programs that provide students the opportunity to learn College Credits while still in high school. And other initiatives that offer students the chance to have better education. [applause] suppting arizona families also means protecting our loved ones throughout their time on this earth. No doubt there are many wonderful facilities providing highquality care for our fellow arizonans. However, im saddened and infuriated that they are filling the most vulnerable with devastating effects. Physical and mental abuse, neglect, exploitation, and poor quality of care have severely hurt and in someragic cases, lead to the deaths of too many arizonans. And what is the penalty in these cases . A 500 fine. This is unconscionable. As leaders in the state, we should be outraged. We should also be outraged at the separate but just as inferior eating Silver Living home scandal that ruined countless livesnd cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Im proud we have taken action to crack down on this fraud. I commend attorney general mays for investigating those who are exploiting some of our most vulnerable residents. [applause] the individuals behind these scandals will be held accountable. But it is also apparent need to provide additional tools to go after bad actor to take it who take advantage of those in need. That is why im calling on the leslature to strengthen our state standards for Silver Living homes and longterm care facilities and significantly increase penalties for bad actors. [applause] im putting forward a package of bills that will ensure facilities cannot hide behind or erase their violation histo. It will crease fines, standardize inspections, and por Adult Protective Services to seek emergency orders and establish standardized credenals for alzheimers, dementia, and memory care. [applause] protecting arizonans in ngterm care a silr living facilities should not be a partisan issue. But Work Together to suprt this legislation and connue to Seek Solutions so we can eure every resident can live in safety, free from neglect and abuse. Supporting arizona families also means ensuring our childn have access to highquality health care. Unrtunately, federal effor that raised so many kids out of poverty just a few years ago are phasing out. But the needs and rising costs for parents are just as tough as ever. No family should have to go bankrupt to care for a sick child. To combat this disturbing trend, expanded kids care eligibility for thousands of arizona children. Enablinghem to receive the care they need, whether it is routine checkups or lifesaving procures without forcing their parents into mountains of debt or heartbreaking funding campaigns. Lets continue working together to find new and innovative ways to lower the costs of doctor visits, medical exams, and other qualityoflife measures that will provideelief for arizona families today. Another area where we can provide relief and make a huge difference in the lives of arizona familiesnd seniors is by driving down the price of prescriptionrugs. That is why i strongly urge you to support my forthcoming proposal that stops price gouging middlemen in our system for overcharging for Prescription Drugs. Requires justifications for increases so arizonans are not hit with the cost. It establishes a new Prescription Drug Affordability Division that will cap pricesn commonly ud drugs like insulin and preve outrageous price hikes. They will help every arizonan an ensure no one has to choose between paying for rent or lifesavg medication. [applause] i believe that fighting for arizona famies is the foundation of wh we do as elected officials. And i truly believe fightinfor arizona families means defending every individual rights to make their own repructive health care decision. I speak for millions of arizonans with a clear message. These deeply personal decisions should be made between a woman and her doctor, not politicians and the government. [applause] i will always defend arizonans freedoms, and i refused to back down in the face of those who want to criminalize doctors and outlaw abortion. [applause] that is not happening on my watch. Instead, there are commonsense bills we can pass right now that will expand access to Reproductive Health care. Arizonans across the political spectrum agree that we should repeal the 1864 abortion ban once and for all. [applause] that we should pass the right to contraception act. [applause] d we should stop government overreach that invades womens privacy by collecting and publishing date on every abortion in arizona. [applause] as i have said before and will continue to say, reproductive freedom is not a partisan issue. Women deserve to have aess to the health care we need. We deserve to have our individual rights protected. And we deserve to make the personal decisions we deem best for ourselves and our families. [applause] now is the time to do what is right. Now is the time to pass these cortical policies. Now is the time we stand up for ariza families. [applause] i have used this time today to highlight just a few of our successes from the past year. The incredible strength of our state and steadfast resolve of its people. And we have started what should always be an honest discussion about the significant issues, choices, and opportunities that stand before us. As we go forward into this legislative session, let us always remember why we are here and what binds us together as arizonans. We are bound by our love for this state, from its beautiful forests and mountains to its breathtaking vistas and stunning natural beauty. And we are bound bya responsibility to ensure every person who calls this place home has the opportunity succeed today as well as e generations who follow us. My promise to you is i will never lose sight owhy we are here. And im confident what binds us together gives us the strength to overcome any challenge. Thank you for supporting your fellow arizonans and for working to make this the greatest state in our nation. God bless arizona, and lets get to work. [applause] [applause] and coming up, we will hea to the white house for a ieng from the press secretary. She will be joined by nash and coordinator john kirby and National Climate advisor. Live coverage at 1 00 p. M. Eastern he on cspan. Today, watch as he spends 2024 campaign trail. A weekly round up of cspans Campaign Coverage providing a onestop shop to discover where the candidates are traveling across the country, and what they are saying to voters. This with first land firsthand accounts from political reporters, updatable numbers, fundraising data, and campaign ads. Watch cspans 2024 campaign trail today on cspan, online at cspan. Org, or download as a podcast on cspan now, our free mobile app. Or wherever you get your podcasts. Cspan, your unfiltered view of politics. This weekend, cspans campaign024 coverage continues for the events of south carolina. On surday, President Biden speaks at the south calina democratic partys first in the nation dinner and celebration in columbia. Livet 7 30 p. M. Eastern on cspan. On sunday, former utcalina governor nikki haley speaks to voters at a rally in cwa live covere 50 p. M. Eastern also on cspan. Both eves will stream live on cspan now, our free mobile video app and online at cspan. Org. Cspan is your unfiltered view of government. We are funded by these Television Companies and more, including cox. When you are connected, you are not alone. Cox supports cspan as a public svice. Alg with these other television providers. Giving you a front row seat to democracy. A discussion on the latest concern th two guests joining u the Hudson Institute and the director for the security in the middle east and joined by ben friedman