Doug Ducey in 2020 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Crime:
Decreased recidivism means a state prison can be shut down
We've provided more opportunities and we've decreased the amount of people returning to prison and helped many find meaningful work.
There's another marker we are going to meet this year. We're shutting down a state prison.
Source: 2020 Arizona State of the State address
Jan 13, 2020
On Education:
Invest in teachers, students and K-12 public schools
We've pumped $4.5 billion in new investments into Arizona schools. With our latest budget, that figure will rise to $6.6 billion. In addition, an even larger investment in school counselors, cops on campus, and school safety. A stronger focus on
CTE and the trades. More money for the Arizona Teachers Academy, and Teach for America. And by the start of the new school year, teacher pay will be up 20 percent.
Through the Arizona Teachers Academy we made a commitment to our aspiring teachers--you stay and teach in Arizona, and we'll cover your college tuition. The effort is paying off.
Enrollment in the Teachers Academy has skyrocketed, with 2,170 students now participating.
Arizona's future depends on these educators. Let's provide them with access so they can get to the front of the classroom--debt free.
Source: 2020 Arizona State of the State address
Jan 13, 2020
On Education:
Have a school day devoted to instruction on civics
We are blessed to have one Arizonan who's the ideal of this aspirational creed. Her life is a living civics lesson-- and Arizona is fortunate to be home to the Institute that bears her name. I'm talking about Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
Who better to hold as a model for the next generation? That's why I'm calling for a day when classroom instruction can be dedicated entirely to civics: Sandra Day O'Connor Civics Celebration Day.
Source: 2020 Arizona State of the State address
Jan 13, 2020
On Environment:
Turn Arizona into international capital for water technology
Last year we came together and passed the Drought Contingency Plan. It was the most significant water policy in 40 years. But we shouldn't be dealing with this issue one generation at a time. We need a strategic ongoing effort to turn
Arizona into the international capital for water technology. Look at all that Israel has done. Why not Arizona? We've been a leader on water, and with this approach, we will continue to be an even stronger leader far into the future.
Source: 2020 Arizona State of the State address
Jan 13, 2020
On Government Reform:
Eliminate three regulations for every new one
We've been on a blitz to wipe out needless regulations. 2,289. Gone. That's the equivalent of a $134 million tax cut without impacting the general fund one penny. But we're not done yet. I've issued a new Executive Order, with a new reform:
If the government ever deems a new regulation absolutely necessary, it must first identify three others to eliminate. The result: New regulations will naturally mean less regulations.
Source: 2020 Arizona State of the State address
Jan 13, 2020
On Health Care:
Insurance companies should cover mental health care
Insurance companies should be covering mental health care, just like they cover an annual physical.
And we're going to make sure they do.
Source: 2020 Arizona State of the State address
Jan 13, 2020
On Immigration:
Supports ballot initiative to ban sanctuary cities
If anyone needed a reminder, that here in Arizona, we respect the rule of law: last fall the voters of Tucson demonstrated that loud and clear.
And now it's time for all Arizonans to make their voices heard and enshrine it in our Constitution. This November let's give all Arizona voters the opportunity to say YES to the rule of law and NO to sanctuary cities.
Source: 2020 Arizona State of the State address
Jan 13, 2020
On Jobs:
Help rural small businesses get Arizonans back to work
There's no shortage of new jobs in Arizona--but many vital jobs remain unfilled in our rural communities. So we've got a plan--a Rural Jobs Initiative. Small business is the backbone of our economy.
We're launching a partnership with Local First Arizona to strengthen small businesses, get rural Arizonans back to work, and bolster our local economies.
Source: 2020 Arizona State of the State address
Jan 13, 2020
On Tax Reform:
No new taxes on my watch
Let me reiterate what I've said in five prior state of the state speeches, and two inaugural addresses--because apparently it bears repeating--no new taxes; not this session,
not next session; not here in this chamber, not at the ballot box, not on my watch.
Source: 2020 Arizona State of the State address
Jan 13, 2020
On Technology:
Connect rural Arizona to high-speed internet
We need to connect all parts of our growing state. Rural areas still lack high-speed Internet. Let's triple our investment in Rural Broadband Grants, and also invest $50 million in Smart Highway
Corridors to install broadband along our rural interstates. This will make our highways safer and smarter than ever before and pave the way to get all of rural Arizona logged on.
Source: 2020 Arizona State of the State address
Jan 13, 2020
On War & Peace:
Eliminate all state income taxes on military pensions
Our vets have already earned their benefits. Put their lives on the line. The government shouldn't be taxing their service to country, it should be honoring their service to country. Our budget does this, by eliminating all state income taxes on
our veterans' military pensions once and for all. We have a goal: To make Arizona homebase for veterans everywhere in the country. These women and men make our state stronger.
Source: 2020 Arizona State of the State address
Jan 13, 2020
Page last updated: Dec 01, 2021