Doug Ducey in 2015 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Budget & Economy: Problem is over-spending; so solution isn't more spending

We can't do it without fiscal responsibility. In real life, when families or businesses take stock of how they're doing, the answer has a lot to do with the state of their finances. Well, it works the same in government. And turning to our state's checkbook, we start with the number one billion. In dollars, that would be the difference between spending and revenue if we were to do nothing about it these next two years.

Now maybe I'm of the old school of economics, but this strikes me as a problem. And I am just not persuaded by appeals to raise taxes so that we can spend more. I look at it this way: If the problem is spending more than we have, the solution cannot be even more spending. Instead of demanding more revenue from the people, I suggest we demand more fiscal responsibility from our government.

Source: State of the State address to 2015 Arizona Legislature Jan 12, 2015

On Education: American Civics Bill: pass civics test like new citizens

In Arizona public schools, we can do better. A snapshot of Arizona public education came in a survey a few years ago. It measured some basic knowledge among students, on matters where knowledge should be assumed. It was an elementary civics test, along the lines of the test required of every new citizen. And when 96 percent of our kids could not pass, you know something is missing.

This is an issue that can and should unite us. These are our children. How can we expect them to protect the principles on which this country was founded, if we are not preparing them for that task right now? It's time to make this right and there's a bipartisan bill--the American Civics Bill. Send it to my desk, and I'll sign it immediately.

Source: State of the State address to 2015 Arizona Legislature Jan 12, 2015

On Education: Classrooms First Initiative: end one-size-fits-all model

It's time to take charge of our public schools and take responsibility for their results. For too long, the federal government has forced a one-size-fits-all model on our education system. Politicians and bureaucrats on the other side of the country, with no understanding of our state or the needs of our teachers and students, have sought to impose their standards and their will on our youth.

In Arizona, educational excellence is a priority. For the next four years, I intend to lead under a "Classrooms First Initiative." Our goal is simple: To improve outcomes in the classroom for all our children. That's why I propose to spend not less in the classroom than last year, but more.

Right now we spend far too much on administrative costs--on overhead--and that's got to change. We know where education happens, between a teacher and a student. In my administration, we will honor teachers and the good work they do.

Source: State of the State address to 2015 Arizona Legislature Jan 12, 2015

On Energy & Oil: Moratorium on new regulations; and review all existing ones

Last week, I signed an order placing a moratorium on new regulations in the executive branch. It was a good beginning, but only a beginning.

There is also the matter of many state regulations already in place, often for reasons that nobody even remembers. Our small businesses have to deal with all these little rules all the time, just because they're on the books and nobody's bothered to change them.

I'm instructing the directors of every agency to conduct a top-to-bottom review of regulations, and then to send me a list of all the ones we can do without. It's likely to be a long list. Wherever we find any regulation that is outdated, irrational, unfair, or destructive to free and honest enterprise in Arizona--that regulation will be gone.

While they're at it, agency directors will also be reducing timeframes for permits and licenses. Our government needs to operate at the speed of business. And we have a Regulatory Review Council that's stacked with lobbyists?

Source: State of the State address to 2015 Arizona Legislature Jan 12, 2015

On Families & Children: Serving Arizona: highlight volunteer and charitable efforts

With all our renewed focus on opportunity in Arizona, it's worth remembering that the best of these can be opportunities to serve. In November, I launched an effort during the holiday season called "Serving Arizona" to highlight volunteer and charitable efforts throughout our state. Visit these food banks and shelters and you'll see first-hand those who are struggling the most in our communities. You'll also see the best of our state--people taking a little bit of time out of their busy days to help those most in need. Maybe it's serving lunches. Maybe it's packing food baskets. Maybe it's reading to a child. Whatever it is, these selfless Arizonans are an example for those of us elected to represent them.

Christmas season has come and gone, but Serving Arizona has not. Giving more to charities close to our heart is always a good thing, but there is nothing like giving your time, and I hope with this effort to encourage that spirit.

Source: State of the State address to 2015 Arizona Legislature Jan 12, 2015

On Government Reform: State government hiring freeze

To balance the books, we're going to institute a state government hiring freeze--with protections for vital areas, like public safety and child safety. However, when it comes to bureaucracy, we're cutting back. The government can't take on any new expenses when we can't afford the ones we already have.

Our budget does what budgets are supposed to do. It prioritizes vital commitments that Arizonans value the most--public safety, justice, classrooms, and aid to the needy and vulnerable.

Source: State of the State address to 2015 Arizona Legislature Jan 12, 2015

The above quotations are from 2015 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts from 2015 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts by Doug Ducey. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Dec 07, 2018