Katie Hobbs Unveils 2025 Agenda: Tackling Affordability and Border Security
In preparation for her upcoming State of the State address, Governor Katie Hobbs has outlined her agenda for 2025, focusing on key issues such as affordability, border security, and educational funding. Housing and childcare remain at the forefront, with Hobbs advocating for increased state involvement to alleviate cost pressures on Arizona families.
Hobbs emphasized the importance of addressing the cost of living, particularly through initiatives aimed at housing and childcare. “We’re going to have a pretty ambitious proposal around child care,” Hobbs stated, highlighting a planned public-private partnership aimed at reducing childcare costs by up to two-thirds for eligible families.
Despite her progressive goals, Hobbs faces challenges with a Republican-majority legislature, which gained additional seats in the recent elections. Yet, she remains optimistic about bipartisan cooperation. “I feel really good about the legislative team we have in place,” she noted, stressing the importance of cross-party collaboration.
Border security emerges as a potential area of consensus between Hobbs and Republican leaders. Both sides recognize the priority of community safety, with Hobbs continuing support for Operation Secure, a state-supported initiative that aids federal border security efforts, particularly against fentanyl trafficking.
Furthermore, Hobbs has endorsed the Laken Riley Act, federal legislation requiring detention of undocumented immigrants charged with specific crimes, aligning with some Republican views. However, this has stirred controversy among Democrats, with state Senator Analise Ortiz condemning it as a threat to constitutional rights and due process.
Education remains a contentious topic, especially regarding the potential overhaul of Arizona’s expansive school voucher program. Although Hobbs concedes that substantial changes may not pass the legislature, she intends to propose measures to prevent fraud within the system. This follows charges against individuals accused of misusing funds intended for educational purposes.
Attention is also directed towards renewing Proposition 123, an educational funding initiative set to expire soon. Since its inception in 2016, Prop. 123 has contributed billions to Arizona’s public schools by increasing the percentage of funds drawn from the state’s land trust. Hobbs is actively participating in discussions to ensure a smooth extension process, aiming for a May special election to address the measure’s renewal.
Negotiations continue as lawmakers work to agree on the terms for extending Prop. 123, with Hobbs emphasizing the importance of reaching a bipartisan consensus. “We’ve been talking throughout the interim with stakeholders, with legislative leadership on both sides of the aisle,” she explained, highlighting the ongoing efforts to find common ground.
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