Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vows to tackle education reform in 2023 State of the State address

PHOENIX — In her first State of the State address Monday, Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs vowed to invest in education reform during her administration.

Hobbs spoke at the State Capitol in downtown Phoenix, hours after state Democrats presented their 2023 legislative plan and ahead of unveiling this year’s budget on Friday.

The eight-part plan noted the importance to finding a solution to the school spending limit by March 1 and building toward nationally competitive teacher salaries.

“Education gave me a chance to climb my way up and build a better life. I know that’s true for countless other Arizonans and for many in this chamber today,” Hobbs said.

“That’s why I have spent so much of my public life fighting for better schools and to level the playing field — and that’s exactly what I’ll continue to do as governor.”

Before detailing plans to improve K-12 public education, Hobbs said it is critical to override the Aggregate Expenditure Limit — a constitutionally mandated school spending cap established in 1980.

The governor warned in her speech that neglecting to address the spending limit could result in the loss of $1.3 billion in approved funding.

“Superintendent and education leaders are warning this will cause furloughs, layoffs and possibly even school closures. It is unnecessary to allow these hysterics to go on any longer,” Hobbs said.

More layoffs would deepen the state’s teacher retention crisis — where 1 in 4 teachers leave Arizona schools each year, according to Hobbs.

Plans to lower class sizes, improve resources and working conditions will come through recommendations made by an anticipated Educator Retention Task Force, Hobbs said.

Hobbs will also work to minimize the numbers of rural areas falling behind, which means redirecting nearly $70 million in her budget to a base support level, which will cover all schools across the state.

As it stands, the state government distributes per-pupil funding to schools based on letter grades and assessment results, an approach that Hobbs says has largely benefitted the two largest counties in Arizona.

She also announced the expansion of the Arizona Promise Scholarship Program, which will include funding for an additional 10,000 students.

“My administration is ready and willing to work with any member of this Legislature to find additional solutions,” Hobbs said.

“Let’s work together to ensure Arizona’s higher education opportunities are the best in the nation and put individuals on the path to future prosperity.”

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