As we move to the phase of breathing more oxygen into our economy, it’s clear from a recent Public Opinion Strategies poll that Governor Doug Ducey has the confidence of Arizonans.

In my book, the poll’s lead author, , is the best in the nation. He has been the GOP mainstay of the NBC/Wall Street Journal poll for many years. The Arizona Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ has relied on his work for many of our most important policy initiatives.

The key takeaways in the poll, which was commissioned by Arizona Rock Products Association:

• A very engaged electorate voices strong support for Governor Ducey and his handling of the coronavirus crisis. More than six out of ten voters (63%) approve of the job Governor Ducey is doing as governor.
• His handling of the coronavirus situation earns him 71% approval. This includes 80% among Republicans, 65% among Independents, and 67% among Democrats.
• Voters believe Governor Ducey has struck the right balance in his approach to dealing with the virus. When asked about Governor Ducey’s “proposals and actions to deal with the current coronavirus situation here in Arizona,â€� 61% believe his approach has “been about right.â€�

I encourage you to .

Glenn Hamer is the president and CEO of the Arizona Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ of Commerce and Industry.

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Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey joined Glenn Hamer, Arizona Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ of Commerce and Industry president and CEO, on stage for a Fireside Chat at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­’s Legislative Forecast Luncheon last Friday. Ducey gave an exclusive preview of Monday’s State of the State address, confirming his commitment to keep taxes and regulations low in Arizona and make it easier for people to open, operate and expand their businesses in the state.

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Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey laid out a multitude of goals for 2020 that revolve around issues important to business and industry during his sixth State of the State address Monday.

Among his priorities? No new taxes. Stronger ties with Mexico. Innovation in water conservation and management. Broadband for rural areas. Workforce training. Highway expansion. And much more.

Ducey, whose tenure has centered around spurring economic growth and boosting the state’s “rainy day� reserves to a whopping $1 billion, stated that businesses and citizens can expect more of the same this year.

“We got here by doing things our way. The Arizona way. And I’m here to tell you, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet,� Ducey said as he addressed a crowd of lawmakers, civic leaders and others at the state Capitol to coincide with the opening day of the legislative session.

Building on state’s economic boom

The governor spoke for over an hour, laying out plans to increase funding for academic achievement for low-income children, pay raises for many state workers, increased mental health services and reduced government fees and “red tape.�

He also touted Arizona’s successes.

The state now outshines most of the country in almost every venue, he said: “The prime rate is dropping, school test scores are rising, and our debt is way down. Household incomes have hit a record high and our poverty rate has dropped faster than any other state in the nation.�

Arizona already outshines rest of nation

Arizona now is in the top ten when it comes to jobs in transportation, technology, science and healthcare, Ducey said.

He highlighted keystones of his administration: eliminating regulatory red tape, reducing government fees and making Arizona the first state to grant universal recognition of out-of-state occupational licenses.

It’s no surprise why 300 people are moving here every day, he said.

“Other states and Washington, D.C. politicians may be focused on growing government. Arizona grows opportunity,� Ducey said. “Our population is surging, but the size of our government is actually shrinking.�

Here are eight business takeaways from Ducey’s speech:

No new taxes

“Let me reiterate what I’ve said in five prior State of the State speeches and two inaugural addresses, because apparently it bears repeating. No new taxes. Not this session. Not next session. Not here in this chamber. Not at the ballot box. Not on my watch.�

Investment in teachers, students and schools

“In total, we’ve pumped $4.5 billion in new investments into Arizona schools. With our latest budget, that figure will rise to $6.6 billion. And we’ve done all of this without raising taxes.

“In addition, an even larger investment in school counselors, cops on campus and school safety. A stronger focus on CTE (Career and Technical Education) and the trades. More money for the Arizona Teachers Academy and Teach for America. And a full, complete and accelerated restoration of flexible funding two years ahead of schedule.�

Rural jobs

“There’s no shortage of new jobs in Arizona, but many vital jobs remain unfilled in our rural communities. So, we’ve got a plan — a Rural Jobs Initiative.

“First, tourism and state parks. There’s no place more beautiful to vacation than scenic Arizona, and with an infusion of new dollars, we’re going to work with Tourism Director Debbie Johnson to ensure the whole world knows it.

“Next, workforce. Small business is the backbone of our economy. So, we’re launching a partnership with Local First Arizona to strengthen small businesses, get rural Arizonans back to work and bolster our local economies.�

Long term water planning

“We will continue to protect Lake Mead, the Colorado River, groundwater and our [agriculture] jobs. But we shouldn’t be dealing with this issue one generation at a time. We need a strategic ongoing effort to turn Arizona into the international capital for water technology.

“Look at all that Israel has done. Why not Arizona? We’ve been a leader on water, and with this approach, we will continue to be an even stronger leader far into the future.�

Improving infrastructure with I-10’s widening

“The Phoenix-Tucson corridor is an economic artery for our state, and it needs expanding. It’s time to accelerate completion of I-10’s widening — in both directions — between our two largest cities.

“Our budget puts the pedal to the metal with the construction of a new six-lane bridge over the Gila River. This replaces a 56-year-old bridge. 62,000 people drive over it every day. That’s 23 million a year. So, let’s break ground ASAP.�

Connecting rural Arizona to high-speed internet

“Rural areas still lack high-speed internet. Let’s triple our investment in Rural Broadband Grants and also invest $50 million in Smart Highway Corridors to install broadband along our rural interstates.

“This will make our highways safer and smarter than ever before and pave the way to get all of rural Arizona logged on.â€�

Filling labor gaps

“ASU, U of A and NAU have also stepped up to fuel our economy, and we’re about to pour on the gas. [Arizona Board of] Regents Chair Larry Penley has proposed what he calls ‘The New Economy Initiative.’

“It’s an innovative approach that enhances our capacity to graduate more students for the critical jobs of today and tomorrow. It’s just the latest effort by our universities to solve problems and do it the Arizona way.�

Eliminating government red tape

“I’ve issued a new Executive Order, with a new reform: If the government ever deems a new regulation absolutely necessary, it must first identify three others to eliminate. The result: New regulations will naturally mean less regulations.�

Business community cheers

The Arizona business community leaders cheered the governor’s message of continued economic momentum.

“Small-business owners are thrilled to hear that despite record state revenues, our governor will not be going on a spending spree with our taxpayer dollars,� said Chad Heinrich, the Arizona state director for the National Federation of Independent Business. “While states like our neighbor California and others like Illinois and New York continue to lose residents, Arizona is the No. 1 inbound state for a reason: Low taxes, reasonable regulations and a government that is open to small-business entrepreneurs.�

Arizona Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ of Commerce of Industry President and CEO Glenn Hamer was equally enthusiastic about the governor’s message and his pledge to hold the line on efforts to overspend.

“The governor made clear that he is going to work to improve our state’s tax climate, while removing regulatory barriers to growth. Competitive tax and regulatory environments have been central to our economic growth,� Hamer said. “We share his commitment to strongly resisting measures that will reverse our economic progress.�

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The Greater Phoenix Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ Political Action Committee (GPC PAC) is endorsing 55 candidates for the Arizona Legislature and 4 statewide candidates in the , including Governor Doug Ducey for reelection and Steve Gaynor for Secretary of State.

“Governor Ducey has shown true leadership on business issues since elected governor four years ago,â€� said Todd Sanders, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ (GPC). “We applaud Governor Ducey for fostering Arizona’s economic growth through sound policy and strategic investments. With Governor Ducey’s influence and guidance, Arizona is once again leading the way on tough issues and is being shown in a positive light on the national stage.â€�

The GPC PAC closely evaluated the primary election results to determine which candidates’ platforms are most conducive to a robust economy, said PAC Chairman John Moody.

“These candidates understand the importance of maintaining a pro-business environment and support public policies that provide a strong foundation for Arizona businesses to prosper, grow and create new jobs,� Moody said.

The GPC PAC also endorsed Kimberly Yee (R) for Treasurer, Mark Brnovich (R) for Attorney General and Steve Gaynor (R) for Secretary of State.

State Senator Yee was elected in 2010 to serve Arizona’s 20th Legislative District. strong economic growth, low taxes, limited government spending and freedom of choice in education and healthcare.

“Senator Yee has been one of Arizona’s most open lawmakers, listening to and helping implement the business community’s needs during her tenure in the Legislature,� Sanders said. “Senator Yee’s sharp intellect and common sense approach to governing will leave the state’s finances in great hands.�

Brnovich was elected Attorney General in 2014. During his tenure in office, he has demanding huge settlements. Brnovich has expressed disdain for fraudulent charities preying on “Americans’ patriotism and their compassion for our veterans and military,� and the Attorney General’s office passed consumer protection legislation as a result,.

Perhaps most notably, Brnovich announced in May that auto giant as part of a consumer fraud settlement over its diesel emissions scandal, directing $10.5 million to Arizona consumers who had purchased VW-made vehicles and $20 million to the state K-12 education budget.

“General Brnovich has proven to be a stalwart protector of the business community’s interests,� Sanders said. “General Brnovich was instrumental in protecting the business community from frivolous lawsuits filed by serial litigators in the name of disability compliance. Most impressive has been his focus on upholding Arizona’s laws without regard to politics.�

Gaynor is a graduate of Harvard Business School and has spent nearly forty years in the printing businesses. This is Gaynor’s first time seeking elected office.

“The Greater Phoenix Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ is pleased to endorse Steve Gaynor as Secretary of State,â€� Sander said. “Mr. Gaynor has proved to be a business leader in Arizona and will bring that expertise with him to the Secretary of State’s Office.â€�

In August the GPC PAC endorsed Daniel Valenzuela, a nonpartisan city councilman, for mayor of Phoenix.

“While Phoenix voters are very fortunate to have several well-qualified candidates running for Mayor who would all likely serve the city well and move Phoenix forward, Daniel Valenzuela has a unique understanding and vision for the future of our city focusing on growth, innovation and fostering economic development and prosperity, making him the best choice for mayor,� Moody said.

The GPC supports candidates who align with the organization’s mission to generate economic prosperity, Sanders said.

“With a rigorous vetting process and endorsement standard, the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­â€™s PAC continues to support candidates that will be advocates for economic growth,â€� he said. “We are pleased to endorse these leaders.â€�

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