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Louisiana teachers worry about state constitution changes. Ohio experts support a $15 minimum wage for 1 million people. An Illinois mother seeks passage of a medical aid-in-dying bill. And Mississippi advocates push for restored voting rights for people with felony convictions.

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Biden says the U.S. won't arm Israel for a Rafah attack, drawing harsh criticism from Republicans. A judge denies former President Trump's request to modify a gag order. And new data outlines priorities for rural voters in ten battleground states.

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Some small towns in North Dakota worry they'll go to pot if marijuana is legalized, school vouchers are becoming a litmus test for Republicans, and Bennington, Vermont implements an innovative substance abuse recovery program.

AZ governor's 2024 priorities: border security, water, education

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Wednesday, January 10, 2024   

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs delivered her State of the State address on Monday, with a focus on key issues like water, border security and education.

Hobbs has been critical of President Joe Biden's administration for how it has handled the situation at the southern border, highlighting how she did not agree with the closing of the Lukeville Port of Entry, which she argues strained Arizona's border communities.

"No one understands the misguided efforts of the past more than our neighbors, sheriffs, small business owners and local law enforcement near the border who work every day to offer solutions where the federal government has failed," Hobbs said.

Hobbs argued closing the port of entry did nothing to solve what she called the "immigration crisis." Hobbs pointed out this session she is seeking ongoing funding to have a stronger border response and continue fighting what she said is a "humanitarian, economic and enforcement crisis."

Hobbs stressed policymakers need to have "open and honest" conversations about the state's water resources. Looking ahead, Hobbs noted she will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure the state's water future is secure.

"There is no better example of this than the agreement I negotiated earlier this year with our neighbors: Nevada and California, to conserve at least three million acre feet of water, enough for nine million homes by 2026," Hobbs stated.

Last year, the governor brought together a bipartisan water policy council, which came up with recommendations expected to make their way through the legislature this session. Hobbs argued more work is needed to improve public-private partnerships, increase conservation, explore new technology and strengthen protections.

Hobbs also touched on education and said teachers must be given a pay raise. Arizona teachers make an average salary of $58,000 a year, according to the Arizona Auditor General. The National Education Association said teachers nationwide are making about $3,600 less on average than they did 10 years ago, when adjusted for inflation.

"Let's take this opportunity to increase compensation for teachers and the support staff who are all critical for student success," Hobbs urged.

Hobbs is expected to reveal her complete budget proposal on Friday.


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