(The Center Square) – Arizona Republican legislative leadership responded to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs’ Monday State of the State address.
The lawmakers specifically took aim at Hobbs on the issues of border security, water policy, housing and education in video statements after her remarks.
“While progressive Democrats and the governor have worked the past three years to undermine freedoms Arizonans enjoy today, we are vigorously protecting the Arizona we know and love from turning into the blue states people and businesses are fleeing from,” Senate President Pro Tempore said.
Senate President Warren Petersen said her “actions didn’t really match her words” when it came to bills that she vetoed, further adding the Republicans’ plan to collaborate with the incoming Trump administration on border security.
House Speaker Steve Montenegro said her address did proposed “an agenda that does not align with the priorities of most Arizonans.”
“The contrast is clear: While the governor offers policies that may play well in California, Republicans offer leadership grounded in Arizona’s DNA,” he continued.
Republicans have a 33-27 majority in the House, an increase of two seats from last session, and a 17-13 majority in the Senate, which is an increase of one seat.
The universal Empowerment Scholarship Account program, which was signed into law by former Gov. Doug Ducey in 2022, and the changes expected in border and immigration policy federally are expected to be among the largest points of divide between the Democrats and Republicans this session.
“The solution is simple: Institute responsible income caps. Ensure taxpayers know where their money is going, and create real accountability for taxpayer dollars,” she said of the ESA program during her remarks.
Meanwhile, legislative Democratic leadership expressed support for Hobbs following the State of the State.
“Democrats are united because we’re no stranger to the fight before us,” House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos said in a video response to Hobbs’ address.