Republican leadership response to State of the State address

Republican leadership in the Arizona State Legislature offered their thoughts on Governor Katie Hobbs’ State of the State address, which took place on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, and the plans moving forward.

The annual speech to the legislature outlines the Governor’s priorities for the year. The State of the State speech kicks off the legislative session.

T. J. Shope (R), President Pro Tempore, and Neal Carter (R), Speaker Pro Tempore, joined us to discuss.

Shope listed some key topics that his party will be focusing on this year, such as putting Prop 123 into effect, increasing teachers’ salaries, ensuring border security and fixing water issues within the state of Arizona.

“The Republican majority is hearing what Arizonans want and we’ve come up with a majority plan. Broadly, you might refer to it as the three Ps, we are looking to preserve the “American Dream,” promote public safety and also preserve individual liberties,” Carter said.

An important focus of theirs is Prop 123, a school funding proposition, Shope said that he and his counterparts “believe it should be something that goes to the ballot, stands on its own.” He said he wants teacher salaries tied into the measure.

Another proposition they have their eyes on is Prop 314, a border security proposition, Carter said that Governor Hobbs has removed some barriers and had attempted to cancel some funding in the past. Both Shope and Carter are looking to improve border security, “63% of Arizonans did decide that they wanted to follow what the Texas model is on immigration and border security,” Shope said.

The last hot topic is groundwater issues throughout the state of Arizona. A few bills have been vetoed in the past, one of which Shope sponsored.