Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is set to deliver his final State of the State address Monday. Ahead of it, he says he’s a smarter and more seasoned governor than the person who took office seven years ago as he gears up for the new legislative session.
The governor starts the new session two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. While his policies for dealing with it have changed, he has tried to stop counties, cities and school districts from imposing mask mandates. The surge of COVID-19 infections continues with about 32,000 new cases reported over the weekend.
"I think that we need to learn how to live with COVID, how to do it safely and responsibly. I think you even see Democrat governors, blue states across the country, talking about this. I think in Arizona we've done a good job in a tough situation. And we'll keep plowing forward," Gov. Ducey said.
As for the governor’s plans for his final year, he says to expect work on water, education and border security, though he did not provide specifics.
To preview the governor’s address is Matthew Benson of the firm Veridus. He also served as communications director for former Gov. Jan Brewer.
