PHOENIX (January 14, 2019) – Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Glenn Hamer released the following statement regarding Gov. Doug Ducey’s State of the State address:
“Gov. Ducey today once again proved why his approach to governing has proven so successful. He has outlined for the state a responsible vision that is less about ideology and more about doing the right things at the right time for the betterment of all of Arizona.
“He has wisely placed adoption of the Drought Contingency Plan at the top of his to-do list. We have 17 days before the federal government has said it will come in and begin the process to impose a ‘solution.’ His recognition of former Gov. Bruce Babbitt and former Sen. Jon Kyl was a reminder of all the important work Arizona has done in a bipartisan fashion on water stewardship in the past. We look forward to working with Gov. Ducey and the Legislature to ensure our water future is a bright one.
“The governor is rightly committed to making sure the raise our state’s teachers have earned is secure. His approach to spending will ensure that result, as our budget surplus is now in the $1 billion range.
“With a growing economy, comes the happy challenge of how to fill so many open jobs. Job creators want to tear down barriers to employment, whether they are outdated regulations or a lack of skills. We strongly support the governor’s call for a strengthened Career and Technical Education system that produces students who graduate with in-demand credentials that lead to good-paying jobs. And Arizona employers applaud the governor for cutting over 1,000 regulations and extending his regulatory moratorium.
“Gov. Ducey is right: Washington could learn a lot from Arizona. While D.C. is snowed in and shut down, we’re getting down to work and the Grand Canyon is open. I expect the governor will be especially prominent during the conversation on the need to ratify the USMCA, which will benefit Arizona greatly, and will also demonstrate why our governor is now the nation’s most important state chief executive.”
# # #
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry is committed to advancing Arizona’s competitive position in the global economy by advocating free-market policies that stimulate economic growth and prosperity for all Arizonans.
