podcasts. it is available at the apple store and google play. c-span now, your front row seat to washington, any time, anywhere. >> c-span is unfiltered view of government funded by these television companies and more. >> the greatest place on earth. sparklight. and we are facing the greatest challenge and spark light is working around the clock and little easier to do yours. >> sparklight supports c-span as a public service along with these other television providers, giving you. >> arizona democratic governor delivered her first state of the state address in phoenix. she states that quote, chasing conspiracy theories and pushing

agendas and attacking rights of fellow arizonans and further to denny. >> secretary. attorney general, superintendent, speaker thomas, speaker and leaders, members of the legislature, supreme court and corporation commission, tribal leaders, honored guests and arizonans in every corner of our state, it is an honor to join you here today. we gather every year for this annual tradition. before we begin, i want to take a moment of personal privilege to honor a man whose lived his life in service to this state.

hanna, serves as the secretary of state advisory council and member of the commission of african-american affairs. his family and friends are in my hearts and prayers today and in the spirit of service that he embodied let's have candid discussions about the issues facing our state and how we can work together to ensure a better future for every family and community. we are all here because we care deeply about arizona. its natural beauty, its abundant opportunities and most of all, its resill yant and diverse and incredible people. i know i speak for all of the state elected officials when i say it is a profound honor to represent our fellow arizonans and we have a an obligation to listen to find common ground and

craft real solutions during the 56th legislature. as a former member of the house of representatives and the senate, i have a deep respect for each of you answering the call of public service. i know that clarityity and understanding of the top priorities of my administration will help you make the most of your time during this session. let me begin my first state of the state by repeating something from my inaugural address last week. if you are ready to make real progress to the issues that matter most of the people of this state, my door will always be open. however, chasing conspiracy theories and pushing agendas of special interests and attacking the rights of fellow arizonans will lead nowhere.

[cheers and applause] governor hobbs: i would like to extend an invitation. let's work together to make a significant impact in the lives of the families and communities of this state. today and for years to come by lowering costses, investing in public education, securing our water future, tackling the affordable housing crisis and other real issues that are holding back too many. the people of arizona have sent us here to find solutions to these issues and that's exactly what my administration will be focused on doing for the next four years.

[applause] governor hobbs: one of the things i learned as a social worker is the power of prosperity. when families are doing well, so many other things start going the same way. and while every issue we face has complexities, one thing that is not complicated, the easiest way to change someone's life is to offer the opportunity for a new or better job. to arizona's business community, i want you to know i profoundly believe in the power of prosperity and i will partner with you and building on the dynamic foundation we have in this state where businesses and people who make them run succeed together. [applause] governor hobbs: to arizona's educators, parents and students, you know better than anyone that

education must be the top issue we tackle. as we work to find solutions, i will always seek and listen to your guidance. to arizona's tribal governments and nations, your voices will be heard in my. your sovereignty will be respected and your contributions will be recognized as we move into the future. [applause] governor hobbs: to all of arizona's diverse, vibrant from page to patagonia, you have built the incredible place it is today. as we go forward into the future, it will take all of us, all of us, to maintain our

strength and fix our deficiencies and blaze new trails for the generations that follow. we start this new chapter in a unique tradition. the state of our state offers promise and we must act on it. growing cutting-edge companies are moving here to tap into our work force and healthy business environment. too many of our rural companies are being left behind because they don't have the infrastructure they need like high-speed internet. companies have record job openings but far too many arizona residents have been priced out of buying a home. we have some of the best k-12 schools in the country but the state has failed to liven up to its obligation to invest in public education in every community and we see the results of that -- [applause]

governor hobbs: we see the results of that failure with high teacher vacancy rates and crumb pling infrastructure. arizona has stunning landscapes and unrivaled natural beauty but we must protect our forests and watersheds from fire and drought. [applause] governor hobbs: our state has a dedicated public sector work force so we can do better in reflecting the diversity of our state to better serve our communities. those should feel empowered and it is our responsibility to accessibility and barriers are broken down. as we look to the future we cannot continue to kick the can down the road on these issues

and so many others. we owe it to our fellow arizonans, both this generation and the next to face these challenges head on. as i said in my inaugural address, i'm an optimist when it comes to arizona. i believe we are the greatest state in this nation. i believe in our educators and our students. i believe in the men and women who protect our public safety every day. i believe in our innovators, risk takers and entrepreneurs. i believe in our public servants. i believe in the future of our incredible state and i know you do, too. in the late governor 1989 state of the state of the address she spoke of difficult choices as she challenged the legislature

funding public education supporting our health. no one should be surprised that the governor fought for the right thing and chose not to back down from those challenges. she had a deep understanding of what the people of arizona wanted and what they needed. as a democratic governor working with republican lawmakers, she knew when to find bipartisan compromise and when to stand firm in her beliefs. as we write this new chapter for the state we all love, i ask that we take inspiration from governor mofort, to the partnerships we will forge and challenges we will overcome and to the good we will do for our fellow arizonans. my hope is when you leave here today, you understand that i and

my administration are committed to action and improving the lives of every arizonan. [applause] governor hobbs: if you are committed to those same ideals imready to work with you know party your registration. here are my priority as we build a prosperous arizona for everyone. education gave me a chance to climb my way up and build a better life and i know that's true for countless other arizonans and for many in this chamber today. and i have spent so much of my public life fighting for better schools and level the playing field and that's what i will continue to do as dpofer. however, before we talk about steps to improve k-12 education

going forward, we must address the potential catastrophe that will happen in a few months if the legislature does not act to address the archaic funding cap the aggregate expenditure limit march 1. as part of last year's budget negotiations, a promise was made that a special session would be called based on a 40--year-old funding formula that is holding our schools hostage. that promise wasn't kept. we must make this right. this ticking time bomb will explode and force $1.3 billion cut which is the largest in our state's history and happen in the last few months of our school year. superintendents and education leaders are warning this will cause furloughs and layoffs and

possible apply even school closures. it is unnecessary to allow these hysterics to go on any longer. give our students, teachers and parents that schools will remain open. chop comawp -- [cheers and applause] governor hobbs: the solution is simple and doesn't cost another penny to do the right thing. representative david cook has introduced a resolution to override this outdated limit. this legislature should bring it to the floor. the democrats in both chambers are ready to act on this immediately. [applause]

governor hobbs: looking beyond this pressing issue, arizonans have made clear it's time to rebuild and re-invest in our public schools. tore years, our leaders have chosen to ignores, parents, students and teachers who know we could have the best education system but are saddled with crumb pling infrastructure and crowded classrooms. and rather than facing these challenges, the previous legislation passed school vouchers that lacks accountability and will likely bankrupt this state. in fact funding this expansion is poised to cost $1.5 billion over the next 10 years if left unaddressed. that's why when my budget is

delivered on friday, you will see it invests in public schools and students ensuring we are a prepared arizona. we will begin with our public school teachers who continue to be caught in the middle of cries sees of our own making and for thousands of them, it is too much. one in four teachers leave arizona schools. 2500 educator positions are vacant. as a sister of two public school teachers, i see how hard they work every day on behalf of their students. to the teachers and education support specialists, i see you and respect you and i will always stand up for you. [cheers and applause]

governor hobbs: to the members of this legislature, i hope we can all agree when we keep the most talented teachers in the classroom, our kids win and our families win and our communities win. i will be launching an educator task force to develop a framework and improve class sizes, resources and working conditions and other factors to fix these issues and retain educators. the reality is, we don't have an educator shortage but a retention crisis. [cheers and applause]

governor hobbs: there are too many amazing professionals who have walked away from the career they live because of the competitive salaries and unfunded mandates this state has chosen to implement. teachers are creating the work force and leaders of tomorrow and it's time we start treating them with the respect they deserve. [cheers and applause] governor hobbs: for the last five years, arizona has been in a lawsuit about school facility funding. last week, the support from attorney general -- [cheers and applause]

governor hobbs: my office led the successful effort to put the breaks on a costly and wasteful trial scheduled to start today so we can focus on problems instead of paying lawyers millions to fight in court. [applause] governor hobbs: with the release of my budget on friday, you will see historic investments in school toll address capital needs and my office will ensure that arizona's teachers and children can earn and work in safe and secure school buildings. to help all communities to have strong effective public schools they deserve is to ensure we are funding all schools fairly. currently our state government distributes additional funding based on school letter grades and assessment results. this approach has benefited

schools in high wealth areas in maricopa and pima and leaving struggling areas behind. to address this inequity, my budget redirects 68.6 million program to the base support level which goes to all schools across our state instead. [cheers and applause] governor hobbs: let me go on the record to say that any school that accepts taxpayer dollars should have to abide by the accountability standards that all school districts do.

governor hobbs: and being spent properly. [applause] beyond this work to ensure transparency for how taxpayer funds are spent there are other direct actions to support our schools and students. we need to priority hiring social workers and counselors for our schools to address the

mental health crisis among children and teens. currently, each counselor in an arizona school provides services to more than 700 kids on average, that is the highest ratio in the nation and nearly three times the recommended standard. that is unacceptable, and we must do better. [applause] governor hobbs: i strongly urge legislators to continuing bringing solutions to my desk to ensure public schools and all communities have the resources they need to help our kids succeed. let us turn to our next generation after they graduate high school where my administration will work to create education opportunities as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. that means investing in

community colleges, particularly in rural arizona. [applause] governor hobbs: as well as doing programs statewide. no matter where a young adult lives they can get college credits or get a good paying job. [applause] governor hobbs: for tens of thousands of other students, choosing to pursue a four-year agree promotes a public university is the right path. make no mistake, we have three of the finest colleges in the country right here. arizona state university, northern arizona university and university of arizona attract millions of dollars investments and push the boundary of

knowledge and innovation and resources for our state's residents and must continue access for institutions for higher learning. we are expanding the arizona promise scholarship program and made college more affordable by including funding capacity for an additional 10,000 students who will have an opportunity to pursue a college agree but otherwise would have been held back by the associated costs. we are not stopping there, in line with the will of arizona voters in passing proposition 308, my budget allocates to create the promise for dreamers to cover all students, regardless of immigration

status. [cheers and applause] governor hobbs: my administration is ready and willing to work with any member of this legislature to find additional solutions. let's work together to ensure arizona's higher education opportunities are the best in the nation and put individuals on the path to future prosperity. as we all know, we have so many reasons to be proud of arizona. companies are coming here and as a result, the job market is robust. what's more, we have more potential on the horizon. however, we must acknowledge the flip side of this prosperity, that too many families are getting further away from achieving the american dream due to the high cost of housing.

our state is no stranger to the boom and bust cycles. three arizona cities, tucson, mesa and phoenix have seen the highest rent increases and the number of individuals facing homelessness has risen significantly. let's work together that here in arizona, any person who wants to achieve the american dream or have a safe roof over their head can do so. [applause] governor hobbs: my administration's first step will be to support $150 million investment into the housing trust fund this year and i will call for additional support in the years ahead.

[applause] governor hobbs: in addition to these measures, last week i signed an executive order re-establishing the council on homelessness and housing. it will foster collaboration among state and local agencies, the private sector and nonprofits to identify solutions for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or struggling with housing affordability. our efforts to support individuals and families must address the rising cost of every day items and services. even as our state continues to be an incredible place to live and work, we can do more to help our fellow arizonans to get ahead. $50 million for child tax credit for families earning less than

$40,000 to pay for the rising costs of necessities for their children. [applause] governor hobbs: we will help lower costs for arizona families by exempting diapers and feminine hygiene products from our state's sales tax. [cheers and applause] governor hobbs: these items add up and we should provide help to individuals and families who must choose between paying their bills and being healthy. my administration is ready and willing to work with you and my door will always be open to any member who brings forward a serious proposal to help seniors, families and communities. let's work together to find ways to lower costs and help every

community across our great state to provide economically. [applause] governor hobbs: every community across our state also deserves to be safe. building an arizona for everyone means building a safe arizona for everyone. this obligation extends to our border. our broken immigration system and the communities across the state who continue to bear the brunt of washington's decades of failure on this critical issue. unfortunately, immigration has been politicized for far too long. arizona voters told us in november they don't want or need political stunts designed solely to garner tv coverage and generate social media posts. [applause]

governor hobbs: speak to leaders in border communities and it's clear, they need real solutions after failed leadership of both parties. we must take a realistic and humane approach to help solve this issue and supporting sheriffs and local law enforcement and means supporting community centers and hospitals. i am encouraged by the white house's recent actions to finally visit the border and start proposing to address the problems of the current system. and while this, i will push congress to do its job and pass comprehensive immigration reform. [applause] governor hobbs: visit border communities and speak with local leaders and law enforcement like i and many others have done and

you will come away with the complexities of this issue and the urgent need to institute solutions. i have invited homeland security secretary to visit the border with me along with community leaders, sheriffs and nonprofit and executives who want a humane solution to this long-time challenge. i look forward to working with law enforcement, nonprofits and community leaders to identify real slewings, hold the federal government accountable and create a safe arizona for all its residents. [applause] governor hobbs: now ensuring a strong future for arizona means defending the freedoms of all its residents. i refuse to stand by and do

knowing as my daughter or anyone's daughter now has fewer rights today than i did growing up. and overwhelming majority of arizonans, more than 90% in fact believe abortion should be legal. [applause] [cheers and applause] governor hobbs: it's time we all heed the message of the people of this state and meet this moment to ensure that we can always make our own health care

decisions. my administration will always protect reproductive freedom for all arizonans. i will not support and use every power of the governor's office to stop any legislation or action that attacks, strips or deletes the right of any individual to decide what is best for themselves or their families. [cheers and applause] governor hobbs: my budget will max the federal title 10 money to provide family planning bringing our total to $12

million. this will increase the program increase for significantly more low-income women. however, this should only be a start. i urge those of the legislature to put bills on my desk to protect women and create a future for arizona, where anyone, regardless of gender, can succeed. [applause] finally, none of the solutions or even the future i have spoken about today will be possible without our state's most precious resource, water. we must talk about the challenge of our time. arizona's decades' long drought

of over usage of the colorado river and the combined ramifications on our water supply, forests and communities. we are in a critical moment where we must be unified and find new and strong partnerships and find bipartisan solutions at a local, statewide and national level. this issue does not stop at state or international borders. we will all thrive together in the future or all be left with the catastrophic results of our failures. from the work our current senators are leading, to congressman and former senator kyl and to efforts by arizonans before them, our state's leaders are at their best when they reach for solutions on this

issue. [applause] hob hob we should follow in their efforts as we face a drought. on january 1, the colorado river mandatory water cuts went into effect, arizona will lose 21% of our water that comes from the most important river in our country. this equates to reducing our usage by 2,000 acre-feet this year. we must understand that, barring a miracle from nature, it will likely get worse before it gets better. this should be a wakeup call for all of us because it will take all of us to solve it, legislators, business officials and business community we must commit to the partnership needed

to avoid this. the foundation of those partnerships must be rooted in transparency and honesty about the facts and what we are collectively facing. for those reasons, in the next few minutes, you will receive a report by the department of water resources that pushing phoenix's west valley is short of the assured 100-year water supply program. this report shows that we have to act now or this will be the first new area that faces this shortage. i don't understand and do not in any way agree with my predecessor choosing to keep this report from the public and members of this legislature. however my decision to release this report signals how i will tackle our water issues openly

and directly. [applause] governor hobbs: here in arizona and across the nation, there is no silver bullet solution to our current water problems. we must invest in efforts to help us achieve our goals. this is the three components for my plan for a resilient arizona. first, my administration has heard loud and clear is reorganizing the governor's office is important for communities across the state. in response, we will relaunch this entity which will focus on

water, energy and land use solutions. this office will coordinate efforts with the many departments, tribal governments, universities and organizations and others involved in this effort. arizona needs partnerships on a local, state, regional and national level and i intend us to be in that position to do so. next, my traition will issue an executive order to initiate the governor's water policy. [applause] governor hobbs: facing our couldn't reality it is time to upgrade our ground water management tools particularly in our rural communities. we must take these actions today because in many parts of our state there are no restrictions

on ground water pumping and communities have little or no support to manage water supplies. a new water user can move in, dig a well and pump as much as possible even if it dries up the community's aquifer. that's why you see them pumping ground water in lapaz. we all know that's not right. our ground water should be used to support arizonans, not foreign business interests. [applause] let's close this loophole and

work together to modernize the ground water management act. in addition to this action my budget scral indicates funds to help rural communities to set up active management areas. our cities and towns in our state need to manage our ground water and by funding this program we are providing a powerfulful tool to strike a balance between usage and recharging our water table. i look to you, members of the legislature. we are in this together. bringing forward innovative solutions. we cannot let the same old partisan fight drag us down. [applause] my administration is ready and willing to work with you and we will see what is best for arizona and its people.

it is my plef that we all understand the gravity of the challenges before us and it is my hope we use this opportunity to once again prove to the people of our state, the nation and around the world, arizona's visionary leadership when it comes to ensuring a water supply for the millions of people who call this place home. these challenges will not be easy nor will the other issues we need to confront including fixing prince -- prisons, lowering child care costs, supporting veterans, protecting vulnerable arizonans and so much more. but the people of arizona did not send us to this capital to fix easy problems. they sent us to do the right thing no matter how difficult

that may prove to be. we will not let them down. [applause] i spoke earlier in these remarks about governor mofort and how she chose to fix challenges. these words she shared in the conclusion, we cannot delay. opportunities fade. arizona's future hangs in the balance. i say to you, join with me in making these difficult decisions and together we will journey to the next frontier. they did just that. and they put arizona on the path to prosperity and improved the lives of millions of families. it is my sincere hope we can do

it more than 30 years later. in the days, months and years ahead in my budget and impossible disagreements let us never forget that we all hold a deep love for this state. we are here because we want to ensure that generations that follow have a chance to discover that love. thank you for committing to public service, for your partnership in finding real solutions and the contributions we will make going forward as we build an arizona for everyone. now let's get to work. [cheers and applause] lobby lobby -- [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2023] ,. captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. visit ncicap.org.

>> president biden is addressing the and hear the republican response and take your phone calls texts and tweets at 8:00

p.m. eastern, on c spab. and online at c-span. org. >> comments from senate majority chuck schumer on the standoff between the two parties over raising the debt ceiling. the congressional democrats and th