Doug Ducey in 2022 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
First time ever we are demolishing unneeded state buildings
Today, a lot is different in Arizona. We have lived within our means: We have more citizens, our budget is balanced, our economy is roaring and our government is smaller and more efficient than it's ever been.
In fact, we believe so strongly in shrinking government that for the first time ever we are demolishing unneeded state buildings, on track to reduce our footprint by nearly 750,000 square feet since we got here.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 10, 2022
On Crime:
Attacks on law enforcement and rising crime rates correlated
If you are an elected official charged with overseeing a police department and you don't believe there's a correlation between the attacks on law enforcement and rising crime rates nationally, you need a reality check because you're putting public
safety and human life at risk. We intend to keep Arizona a place where we honor and value our cops and all of law enforcement, including correctional officers and first responders. A place where public safety matters. No riots. No smash and grab.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 10, 2022
On Education:
Arizona is the number one school choice state in the nation
We pressed forward: positioning Arizona as the number one school choice state in the nation.When COVID hit, that designation was a lifeline for families. Some school leaders did everything possible to keep kids in the classroom. In the process, more
parents got involved. And thank God they did. Some voted with their feet--moving schools or school districts or to totally different learning models--whether that's homeschooling or microschools.In Arizona schools, we will not divide people by race.
Students should be taught to think critically--not taught critical race theory.
Let's require all that a child is taught, all curriculum and academic materials be put online and available to search and review by every parent, grandparent and interested citizen.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 10, 2022
On Education:
We waive tuition for veterans; let's do spouses too
We are blessed to be a magnet for America's veterans. Under the G.I. Bill, they get to attend our in-state universities and community colleges free of charge. After all, they've already given so much. But how about their spouses?
These dedicated husbands and wives have served and sacrificed as well. So this session, let's launch a program to waive their tuition too.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 10, 2022
On Environment:
$1 billion for desalination, securing Arizona's water future
With resources available in our budget, a relationship with Mexico that we've built and strengthened over the last seven years, and the need clear--what better place to invest more? Instead of just talking about desalination--the technology that made
Israel the world's water superpower--how about we pave the way to make it actually happen? So we propose that we make a historic investment: $1 billion. Our goal: Secure Arizona's water future for the next 100 years.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 10, 2022
On Government Reform:
Hidden taxes of the regulatory state can be the real killer
But as any business person knows: The hidden taxes of the regulatory state can be the real killer. And for small businesses, start-ups and independent contractors, these regulations are a death sentence. We've taken a baseball bat to
that bureaucracy, with a moratorium on new regulations ever since 2015. We've already saved taxpayers $169 million. Let's make these reforms permanent, in law, and ensure Arizona is always the land of economic freedom and opportunity for all.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 10, 2022
On Immigration:
Increase the criminal penalties against human smuggling
This is not just a public safety crisis; it's a humanitarian crisis. And the human traffickers that prey on the desperation of people looking for a better life need to pay the consequences.
It's time for us to increase the criminal penalties against human smuggling and provide more funding to border counties to ensure prosecution and incarceration.
Border security is national security, and the lack of action from D.C. puts every American at risk. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and I are teaming up to form the American Governor's
Border Strike Force--a commitment between states to do what the Biden administration is unwilling to do: Patrol and secure our border.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 10, 2022
On Tax Reform:
Supply-side economic looks good, we will cut taxes
We are sitting atop a surplus of several billion dollars, fueled not by tax increases--but by the opposite: historic economic growth. It turns out free-market capitalism works. Supply-side economics might not be the sexiest thing for
candidates to run on these days, but it sure looks good on a spreadsheet. We will resist the cries from the spending lobby, and once again, we will allow the people to keep their hard-earned money. We will cut taxes.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 10, 2022
Page last updated: Apr 04, 2022