Gov. Napolitano: Building for Arizona’s Future

Governor Napolitano: Building for Arizona’s Future

This afternoon, Governor Napolitano delivered her 2007 State of the State Address, laying out an ambitious agenda for the next year, focusing on three critical areas, while balancing the budget and not raising taxes.

Education

In her speech, the Governor spoke about the importance of preparing our students for a world of competition and innovation. She outlined key proposals including raising teacher salaries to keep our best teachers in the classroom, expanding access to children’s health care to ensure all students enter the classroom healthy and ready to learn, and making record investments in college financial aid, so that more Arizona students can pursue higher education.

Foundation

To support our 21st century economy and sustain Arizona’s record growth, the Governor outlined her proposals to build critical infrastructure while protecting our natural resources. She proposed eliminating the “time tax” by freeing up an estimated $400 million to accelerate road construction, giving local communities more control over development, and formalizing a long term plan for coordinated planning and smart growth.

Innovation

Lastly, the Governor spoke about the need to stimulate new technologies, new markets, and new approaches to the way we will grow and change. Her Global Competitiveness Innovation Initiative focuses on job creation, entrepreneurship, and developing a global brand for Arizona.

As the 2007 legislative session begins this week, voice your support for Arizona Democrats’ continued efforts to move our state forward. Write a letter to the editor today.

Together, we can advocate for policies that make critical investments in education, health care and public safety, while stimulating our economy.

For more information about and the full text of Governor Napolitano’s State of the State Address, please go to www.azgovernor.gov.

Posted Monday January 8, 2007 by