Consistent with previous occurrences, Governor Hobbs is once again endeavoring to eliminate "School Choice" for the residents of Arizona.
Each year, she approaches this initiative with a new perspective, as exemplified by this year's budget proposal. However, the underlying narrative remains unchanged.
She asserts her intention for the children of Arizona to receive the highest quality of "Public" education.
Nevertheless, one must question: what about the pursuit of the best education overall?
Her objective appears to be the permanent eradication of school choice, which is evidently functioning effectively and is favored by many parents.
Let’s not forget last year’s budget was $16.1 Billion, this year she wants $17.7 Billion
https://www.goldwaterinstitute.org/arizona-gov-katie-hobbs-budget-is-mismanagement-at-its-worst/
The Goldwater Institute
She is also attacking new housing by requiring the water department to not build homes even where they know there’s enough water to sustain them.
She is also requesting $17.5 million for the largest ongoing increase in highway maintenance funding in state history.
https://azmirror.com/2025/01/17/hobbs-targets-entitlement-vouchers-in-17-7b-budget-plan/
The AZ Mirror
Let us now discuss the various sources of income that Arizona generates, as well as the taxes collected from the numerous special events that occur annually within the state.
$24.2 billion: Contribution of the sports and tourism sector to Arizona’s Real Gross Domestic Product in 2022 (6.4% of the state's economy).
Each year, we conduct an increasing number of events, for which we employ hundreds of thousands of workers and generate billions in revenue.
One must inquire as to the destination of these funds. The revenue and taxes collected should adequately cover many of the smaller projects for which she is seeking financial support.
Common Sense Institute of Arizona
All of these developments generate employment opportunities for numerous individuals.
However, it is imperative that we initiate the creation of additional positions within the construction, utility, mining, and forestry sectors. Furthermore, there is a pressing need to establish more roles in the metal and manufacturing industries.
The aforementioned sectors, among others referenced in the preceding article, underscore the considerable amount of work that remains to be accomplished. It is essential that we concentrate our efforts on these domains rather than pursuing the elimination of school choice.
Governor Hobbs ought to prioritize the attraction and development of essential employment opportunities within Arizona to facilitate the further growth of our economy.
This is the appropriate course of action for an astute and effective governor. A thorough examination of regions in greatest need of job creation is imperative, with targeted efforts concentrated in those areas.
Hobbs plans to modestly increase the amount in the rainy day fund from $1.48 billion to $1.54 billion.
The Colorado River Litigation, initially valued at $1 million, has been amended to $3 million following a vote by a Democratic member, as indicated by Governor Hobbs.
https://www.newsweek.com/arizona-colorado-river-bill-lake-powell-mead-2022938
Newsweek
Now let’s rake a look at California’s rainfall and snow for the last few years. They’ve been at or above 100%. So why would they even need water?
https://ggweather.com/seasonal_rain.htm
According to recent data, California has received near-average precipitation over the last few years, with the most recent water year showing statewide precipitation at around 100% of the historical average, including a significant snowpack that is also around the average level; however, there is a noticeable north-south disparity with Northern California experiencing more precipitation than Southern California.
Key points about California's recent precipitation:
Average precipitation: The state has received roughly average precipitation in recent years, with the most recent water year recording close to 100% of the historical average.
Snowpack: The snowpack in California is also near average levels.
Regional differences: While the statewide average is near normal, there is a significant difference between Northern and Southern California, with the north receiving considerably more precipitation.
The issue confronting California is not the availability of water per se, but rather the manner in which it is allocated between the northern and southern regions of the state.
This represents a challenge specific to those areas, and they should not receive additional water resources for a part of the state that can be readily replenished.
These are merely a few considerations that merit examination and upon which we, as a state, should focus our efforts to enhance in specific domains. It is imperative that we adopt a more prudent approach regarding the decisions made by our officials.
I have the utmost support for the veterans, police, firefighters, first responders, and healthcare workers for their exceptional service and sacrifices in ensuring our nation's safety and stability.
G