Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs told a crowd of politicians and community members last week about her “Arizona promise” that guarantees residents “opportunity, security and freedom.”

Hobbs’ remarks were part of the annual State of the State Address, hosted by the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and held at the Tucson Convention Center.

Hobbs recalled the legacies of Arizona leaders including Sandra Day O’Connor and John McCain, saying their spirits live on in Arizonans like Felicia Sayuja, a member of the Havasupai Tribal Council.

Sayuja made headlines after she guided more than 100 tourists to safety last summer after devastating floods swept through Supai village. 

“Her service and heroism show how even in our most devastating moments, Arizonans are there to offer hope and a helping hand,” Hobbs said. 

She described Arizona as a place that values opportunity and freedom and where entrepreneurs and small businesses can launch ideas and thrive. 

“This is our Arizona promise, the promise that everyday people can find opportunity, security and freedom,” Hobbs said before highlighting her Arizona is Home program, which aims to double the number of first-time homebuyers who receive assistance.

She said that during her two years as governor, she’s worked to lower costs by cutting government red tape and making historic investments in affordable housing programs.

But she was quick to concede that  there’s still more work to be done. 

“First, we must extend the state low-income housing tax credit. This program has enabled the development of affordable homes across Arizona, from Glendale to Tucson,” she said. “Second, let's address the proliferation of vacation rentals owned by out of state corporations looking for a quick buck.” 

Hobbs said that these corporations are buying up properties and turning family homes into party houses, which are “causing chaos in our communities.”

Hobbs also issued a challenge to lawmakers and elected officials to commit to ending veteran homelessness in Arizona within the next decade.

“My executive budget includes a down payment to jump start this effort with the creation of the Homes for Heroes Fund,” she said. “But it will take all of us, state and local governments, nonprofits and veterans organizations to see this through. Let’s work together to ensure our veterans have a place to call home.” 

As her administration works to tackle homelessness and rising housing costs, Hobbs acknowledged that families are also burdened by the high cost of child care. 

“On average, an Arizona family pays nearly $15,000 a year for child care,” she said.  “That's more than students pay for in-state tuition at our public universities.”

To address this, she’s introducing the Working Families Childcare Act, which she says will reduce the cost of childcare by two-thirds. 

“Public education is the key to opportunity, security and freedom. It is the Arizona promise,” Hobbs said. 

She also called for increased accountability in the ESA program, which costs taxpayers nearly $1 million annually and urged lawmakers to take action on critical issues. These included addressing fraud in the ESA program and investing in child care and housing. 

Referencing Governor Bruce Babbitt’s words from the 35th legislature’s opening session,  Hobbs reminded attendees that the path forward requires collaboration and problem solving.

“The role of the critic is always easier than that of the problem solver and confident that we can preserve that which is good in our heritage while accepting the challenge of the future,” she said. “Now, let's get to work.”

Isabela Gamez is a University of Arizona alum and Tucson Spotlight reporter. Contact her at gamezi@arizona.edu.

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