Grand Canyon Times

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey released a statement June 24 praising the 55th session of the Arizona Legislature and expressing optimism for the future.

“Over the last eight years, I’ve worked hand-in-hand with the good women and men of the Arizona Legislature to tackle the challenges facing our state, and pass policies to position Arizona as the land of opportunity. I am so grateful for their partnership,” Ducey said in the statement, posted on the governor’s official website.

“With the conclusion of the second session of the 55th Arizona Legislature, we are reaffirming our commitment to those policies and sending a clear message about our state’s future; we’re ready, and we’re unstoppable," Ducey added, noting that the assembly had “truly delivered” during this year’s session.

“The policies we put in place over the past eight years made this success possible — policies that promoted economic growth, cut taxes, reduced regulations and made targeted investments to build a stronger, more resilient Arizona," he said.

The state passed an $18 billion spending plan on June 23 to take effect with the July 1 fiscal year, but there were other achievements of note, the Republican governor said.

“This year’s legislative session is sure to be one to remember, and not only because of the historic bipartisan budget agreement,” he said. “We took record revenues and invested in priorities that directly impact the lives of our fellow Arizonans [such as] education, public safety, border security, health care, roadways paying off our debts and saving for the future.”

Ducey complimented the body, saying it “truly delivered.”

“We invested in Arizona’s future, accelerating the expansion of Interstate Highway 10,” he said. “We enacted the most expansive school choice legislation in the nation. We cut red tape so critical health care workers can do their jobs unimpeded. We strengthened election integrity. We protected victims’ rights. We cracked down on crimes committed at the border. We kept our promises.”

Ducey also praised legislative leaders, both Republicans, for their work.

“I’m very grateful to Senate President Karen Fann and House Speaker Rusty Bowers for their unyielding partnership and leadership this session, as well as their dedication to public service," he said. "I’m also grateful to each and every member of the Arizona Legislature for their commitment to our state."