Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs Eyes Bipartisan Solutions Amid Legislative Challenges
In the face of a Republican-majority legislature, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, remains optimistic about finding common ground on key state issues. Despite the expansion of Republican seats following the recent elections, Hobbs is determined to advance initiatives that previously stalled under GOP control.
Hobbs acknowledges the mixed political landscape in Arizona, where voters chose Democrat Ruben Gallego for the U.S. Senate even as they supported President-elect Donald Trump. “The issues we’re facing — affordability for families, water security, protecting our border and keeping communities safe — those are not Republican or Democratic issues,” Hobbs stated. “They’re just Arizona issues that our elected leaders, myself included, need to work together to solve.”
While open to collaborating with Republicans, Hobbs has made it clear she will veto any legislation falling short of addressing Arizonans’ needs. In her tenure, she has already vetoed 216 bills backed by Republicans, including those targeting transgender students. Her priority list was reiterated in her recent address to lawmakers.
Border Security
Governor Hobbs has taken a firm stance on border security, emphasizing her willingness to work with the Trump administration on critical issues like fentanyl trafficking while acknowledging concerns over deportation threats. Her administration focuses on utilizing limited law enforcement resources to target violent criminals, irrespective of immigration status.
Hobbs highlighted the success of Arizona’s National Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection in intercepting significant quantities of illegal drugs since July. “We must remain vigilant in protecting Arizonans from the cartels who seek to do us harm,” she affirmed.
Republican Senate President Warren Petersen appreciated Hobbs’ support for the Laken Riley Act, which mandates federal detention for certain undocumented immigrants accused of crimes. However, he expressed reservations about her consistency on border issues.
Reyna Montoya from immigrant advocacy group Aliento expressed concern that Hobbs did not address protections for immigrant communities, particularly as Trump’s inauguration approaches.
Water Scarcity
Hobbs is pushing for legislative action to enhance groundwater protection, an effort that previously failed to gain approval. Last December, she took executive action to regulate groundwater usage in one area. Hobbs remains hopeful for legislative cooperation but is prepared to act independently if necessary.
Arizona faces long-term drought challenges and must devise a plan by 2026 to manage its dwindling Colorado River water resources.
Education
Reforming Arizona’s school voucher program, which allows public funds to support private education, is a key goal for Hobbs. She criticized the program for draining state resources, contrasting it with potential funding for border security and law enforcement.
“Do we give our police a raise and secure our border — or do we continue to pay for ski resort passes?” Hobbs questioned, highlighting the need for program accountability. However, with strong Republican support for the voucher system, significant changes remain unlikely.
The state’s financial outlook is brighter than last year, with a $231 million increase in projected revenue for the next fiscal year, easing budgetary pressures.
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