PHOENIX, AZ – Governor Katie Hobbs continued her Arizona Promise Tour, emphasizing her public safety, workforce development, and housing initiatives across the state. The tour underscores her commitment to expanding opportunity, security, and freedom for Arizonans by investing in key sectors that affect everyday lives.
Public Safety: Governor Hobbs Calls for Pay Raise for DPS Troopers
At a press conference, Governor Hobbs advocated for a 5% pay increase for Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers, citing their critical role in drug interdiction efforts.
In 2024 alone, DPS seized 2,647 pounds of fentanyl, an exponential increase from 89 pounds in 2018. Over a three-month period last year, troopers also helped confiscate 6,500 pounds of illicit drugs statewide.
“This isn’t just the right thing to do so that these men and women can support their families,” said Hobbs. “It’s the right thing to do for the state.”
Workforce Development: Future48 Workforce Accelerators Take Off
Governor Hobbs visited Coconino Community College’s construction and trades training campus, where she met with students benefiting from the Community College Workforce Scholarship Program.
She later announced a new workforce accelerator at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, aimed at training students for aerospace and defense industry jobs. Arizona is home to over 1,200 aerospace and defense companies, contributing nearly $15 billion annually to the state’s economy.
“We need to ensure that Arizonans are reaping the benefits—and this program is one more way to do that,” Hobbs said.
Additionally, Hobbs attended a groundbreaking ceremony for Arizona Western College’s manufacturing-focused workforce accelerator in Yuma, which received $6.3 million in funding.
Affordable Housing: Governor Hobbs Expands Low-Income Housing Initiatives
Last week, Governor Hobbs attended the grand opening of Centerline on Glendale, the first project funded by the state’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The project provides affordable housing options to Arizona residents, helping ease the housing crisis.
Hobbs proposed extending and expanding LIHTC in her latest Executive Budget, reinforcing her administration’s commitment to making housing more accessible and affordable.
Her Arizona Promise Tour will continue as she champions policies that improve the lives of Arizonans through targeted investments in public safety, workforce training, and affordable housing.
