Governor Doug Ducey | The Arizona Sun Times

Arizona to Invest Nearly $14 Million in Career Training, Development Programs

December 4, 2022December 3, 2022 The Center Square

Arizona plans to invest nearly $14 million to support career training and development programs for Arizona high school students and underserved communities, Governor Doug Ducey announced Thursday.

“Arizona is a land of limitless opportunity,” Governor Ducey said in a press release. “We are a state where anyone can get a good education and find a quality job. This funding will cement our position as a national model for preparing workers for tomorrow’s jobs – it will empower Arizonans by dramatically increasing job training opportunities.”

Ducey Announces $100 Million Investment in Arizona’s Semiconductor Industry

November 6, 2022November 5, 2022 The Center Square

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announced a $100 million investment in the state’s semiconductor industry, according to a press release from his office.

“Arizona has earned a place as one of the world’s leading destinations for chip design, manufacturing and innovation,” Ducey said in a press release. “With historic opportunities before us, this funding ensures we make the most of this moment and cement our semiconductor leadership for decades to come. My thanks to all our partners in the private sector and higher education for their commitment to expanding our high-tech economy.”

Phoenix Detective Hospitalized After Being Ambushed, Shot

June 16, 2022June 15, 2022 Cooper Moran

A detective with the Phoenix Police Department was hospitalized after being ambushed and shot by two individuals, according to the law enforcement office.

Two men, identified as Ahmani Gordon and Aaron Ware, approached the car from both sides of the vehicle and fired shots at the officer. One stood on the passenger side and the other in front of the vehicle, reportedly firing more than a dozen shots at the vehicle.

Telecommunications Giant Announces Expansion in Arizona, Will Add 1,500 Jobs

May 31, 2022May 30, 2022 Cooper Moran

Viasat, a global telecommunications giant, announced an expansion in Arizona that will add 1,500 jobs in the state.

The new construction will include “a 135,000-square-foot building, an outdoor atrium, open space for events and employee recreation, and a parking structure,” according to a report from Community Impact.

New Arizona Law Mandates 9/11 Education

May 26, 2022May 25, 2022 Cooper Moran

A new Arizona law signed by Governor Doug Ducey will mandate education about the 9/11 terrorist attacks for all students at public schools in the state.

Previously, Ducey promised to require the education for students in Arizona because the attack “shaped a generation, forever altering how we view the world, how the world views us and how we interact with each other.”

Democratic Congressional Candidate Denies Immigration Crisis Exists in Arizona

May 23, 2022May 22, 2022 Neil Jones

In a debate hosted by Arizona Horizons on Wednesday, former State Senator Kristen Engel (D), running for Congress in Congressional District (CD) 6, said Arizona does not have an immigration crisis.

Election Honesty Organization Director Praises Arizona Senate for Passing New Voter Law

May 20, 2022May 19, 2022 Neil Jones

The Arizona Senate passed a new bill on Tuesday aimed at improving election integrity.

“Number one, only eligible, qualified citizens can vote in elections, and that means when you are going to a voter registration process, you have to give election officials time to be able to actually review the registration and make sure someone is qualified to vote. When you do same-day or Election-Day voter registration, that takes away that time to actually be able to conduct that check,” Jason Snead, the Director of the Honest Elections Project told The Arizona Sun Times.

Arizona to Follow Texas, Transport Immigrants to Washington D.C.

May 14, 2022May 13, 2022 Cooper Moran

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announced on Wednesday that the state will follow the lead of Texas and transport migrants to Washington D.C.

The announcement was a portion of a larger action plan laid out by Ducey to address the ongoing border crisis.

Arizona to Widen Interstate 10

May 9, 2022May 8, 2022 The Center Square

In a long-fought win for local officials, Arizona will soon widen a portion of Interstate 10.

The state is investing $400 million to widen the road due to the passage of Senate Bill 1239. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed the bill into law on Wednesday.

New Arizona Law Extends Legal Protections for Victims of Violent Crimes

April 25, 2022April 24, 2022 Cooper Moran

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed almost a dozen pieces of legislation into law on Friday, including a bipartisan measure to increase protections for victims of violent crimes.

The bill, House Bill 2604, extends the length of an order of protection from one year to two years after the defendant has been served.

Governor Ducey Declares State of Emergency as Arizona Fire Spreads

April 23, 2022April 22, 2022 Cooper Moran

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey declared a State of Emergency on Thursday, as a wildfire spears throughout the northern portion of the state.

According to Ducey’s office, the flames have ignited more than 19,000 acres and forced 750 households in the area to evacuate. More than 260 firefighters and emergency response personnel have responded to the incident.

Arizona Senate Approves Two Parental Rights Bills

April 20, 2022April 19, 2022 Cooper Moran

The Arizona Senate approved two pieces of legislation that are aimed to solidify parental rights over their child’s education and exposure to certain materials.

Both measures, HB 2161 and HB 2439, passed the chamber on a 16 to 12 vote, sending them to the House of Representatives for a final vote before Governor Doug Ducey weighs in.

Arizona Creates Task Force to Address Infrastructure, Utilize Federal Funding

April 18, 2022April 17, 2022 Cooper Moran

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on Thursday launched a new task force to address the state’s infrastructure needs and appropriate federal funding administered to the state through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The legislation, which was approved on a bipartisan basis, will allocate $1.2 trillion to states to repair and upgrade critical infrastructure needs, like roads and bridges.

Law Enforcement Seizes More Than 17 Pounds of Fentanyl Pills During Traffic Stop Near Tucson

April 11, 2022April 10, 2022 Cooper Moran

Law enforcement officers with the Arizona Department of Public Safety recovered more than 17 pounds of fentanyl pills during a traffic stop on Interstate 10 outside of Marana.

According to the officials, the 22-year-old Tucson resident attempted to conceal the pills but was charged with possession, transportation, and sale of a dangerous drug.

Arizona Judge Blocks Law Impacting Precinct Committeemen

March 24, 2022March 23, 2022 Cooper Moran

A Yavapai County Superior Court judge blocked Section 4 of HB2839, following a lawsuit from the Republican Party of Arizona.

The new law, passed by the state legislature and signed by Governor Doug Ducey in early March, changed the way political party precinct committeemen were selected.

Nestlé Plans $675 Million Investment in Arizona Manufacturing Plant

March 10, 2022March 9, 2022 Cooper Moran

Nestlé, one of the largest food and beverage manufacturers, will expand operations in Arizona, announcing a $675 million investment to build a 630,000-square-foot factory.

According to a release from the Arizona Commerce Authority, the factory will produce “high-quality creamers for Nestlé’s category-leading portfolio, including the Coffee mate, Coffee mate natural bliss, and Starbucks brands, with the ability to expand to additional beverages in the future.”

Arizona Governor Ducey Announces Project to Expand Broadband Access

February 20, 2022February 19, 2022 Cooper Moran

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on Friday announced the state will invest more than $68 million in a project to expand broadband access to rural places throughout the state.

The investment will focus on connectivity along Interstate 40 West, running from Flagstaff to the California border.

Arizona House Committee Advances Bill to Improve State’s Civics Education

February 10, 2022February 9, 2022 Cooper Moran

The Arizona House Education Committee on Tuesday advanced a bill that will alter the state’s civics education requirements, mandating that students score at least 70 percent correct in order to graduate.

The committee voted unanimously to advance the legislation.

Arizona Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Human Smuggling Operation

February 6, 2022February 5, 2022 Cooper Moran

A resident of Nogales, Arizona pleaded guilty for his role in a human smuggling operation that has helped dozens of individuals cross the border illegally.

The individual, Benjamin Gallegos, admitted to charges of conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens for profit and could face up to ten years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, according to a release from the Department of Justice.

Arizona Republicans Pressure Yellen Not to Claw Back COVID Aid

January 24, 2022January 23, 2022 The Center Square

Republican members of Arizona’s congressional delegation have a demand for United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen: don’t take federal relief funding away from the state.

Arizona is scheduled to receive $4.2 billion from the federal government as a part of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan; it has received nearly $1.2 billion of that money so far.

However, the United States Treasury Department has warned the state that it may forfeit $163 million if it doesn’t change its actions.

Arizona State Rep. Jake Hoffman Ken Cuccinelli, Russ Vought, and Other Prominent Officials Demand Gov. Ducey Follow Through with His Speech and Address Border Invasion

January 16, 2022January 15, 2022 Rachel Alexander

Four illegal aliens apprehended in dense brush by members of the U.S. Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) team are led to awaiting vehicles near Eagle Pass, Texas, June 19, 2019. As Border Patrol agents are tasked to conduct intake and processing of the recent surge in migrant arrivals at the border, members of BORSTAR have been assisting in pursuing illegal aliens afield. CBP photo by Glenn Fawcett

Arizona State Capitol demanding that Gov. Doug Ducey do something about the “border invasion.” The officials were responding to Ducey’s final State of the State Address, which focused on the border crisis. The numbers of illegal immigrants coming across the southern border, especially into Arizona, has skyrocketed since the Biden administration took office, with migrant counters in the Yuma sector up 2,405%.

Ken Cuccinelli, deputy secretary of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump and former Attorney General of Virginia, said, “It takes not just the governor, but a commitment of these legislative folks right here.” Due to all the dangerous drugs coming across the border, “Every town, in Arizona and across the country, is now a border town.”

Governor Ducey, Arizona Sheriffs Urge Federal Legislation to Address Border Crisis

January 13, 2022January 12, 2022 Cooper Moran

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on Tuesday met will eleven different sheriffs from across the state to discuss efforts to secure the U.S. southern border.

Ducey and the law enforcement urged action from the state’s Democratic Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly.

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey Pledges to Continue In-Person Learning, Provides Funding to Families Impacted by Virtual Instruction

January 5, 2022January 4, 2022 Cooper Moran

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on Tuesday pledged to continue in-person learning for students across the state, even if it requires unconventional methods.

Ducey created the Open for Learning Recovery Benefit program, which will provide financial assistance to families who may face unexpected barriers due to school closures.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey Challenges Biden over Hypocrisy of Federal Vaccine Mandates

December 30, 2021December 30, 2021 Cooper Moran

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, who has been a constant critic of vaccine mandates, challenged President Joe Biden over his apparent hypocrisy in handling the coronavirus pandemic.

In a recent address, Biden claimed it is not up to the federal government to solve the coronavirus pandemic. However, as Governor Ducey noted, Biden has remained determined to impose federal vaccine mandates for individuals across the country.

Report Shows Arizona Has Recovered All Jobs Lost During COVID-19 Pandemic

December 20, 2021December 19, 2021 Cooper Moran

Job fair by Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity

Arizona has recovered all jobs that were lost during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report from the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO).

The data shows that the state’s economy has gained 101 percent of jobs lost during the initial months of the economic shutdowns associated with the pandemic.

Governor Ducey Designates Funding for Arizona Food Banks

December 14, 2021December 13, 2021 Cooper Moran

Governor Doug Ducey (R) on Monday designated funding from the state’s Coronavirus Relief Fund to food banks throughout Arizona.

The funding will be distributed to various aid organizations with a focus on helping rural families. Often, rural residents were heavily hit by the coronavirus and its economic consequences.

Governor Ducey to Send Law Enforcement Officials to the Yuma Sector of the Southern Border

December 9, 2021December 8, 2021 Cooper Moran

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announced on Tuesday that he will send law enforcement personnel and equipment to the U.S. Southern border.

The decision comes in response to thousands of migrants attempting to enter the country in Yuma.

Tucson-Sector Border Patrol Agent Dies in Line of Duty

December 4, 2021December 3, 2021 Cooper Moran

Martin Barrios, a supervisory border patrol agent in the Tucson sector, was killed in the line of duty on Monday, according to a tweet from the Chief of the U.S Border Patrol.

Barrios served in the organization for almost two decades, beginning in 2003.

Arizona Border Patrol Agent Dies in Line of Duty

November 12, 2021November 12, 2021 Cooper Moran

An agent with the Tucson Sector U.S. Border Patrol, Anibal A. Perez, died in the line of duty, the group announced on Thursday.

The officer, who passed away earlier this month, had served the organization since 2006.

Arizona Gov. Ducey Continues Investments into At-Risk Populations, Provides Funding for Youth Mentorship Program

November 10, 2021November 9, 2021 Cooper Moran

Governor Doug Ducey on Tuesday awarded funding to Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Central Arizona, aimed to establish a new mentorship program.

The $750,000 will be used to create a program that will serve approximately 550 Arizona kids over a two-year period.

State of Arizona to Invest Millions to Fight Homelessness

November 4, 2021November 3, 2021 Cooper Moran

Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) on Tuesday detailed that the state will invest $15.35 million in federal funding for projects to combat homelessness.

Specifically, the grant money will be allocated to three projects in three different cities throughout the state: Flagstaff, Kingman, and Phoenix.

Arizona Governor Ducey Tours Tucson Border Patrol Headquarters, Calls for Action from Biden Administration

October 29, 2021October 28, 2021 Cooper Moran

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on Thursday toured the U.S. Border Patrol’s Tucson Sector Headquarters, praising the employees for their work.

States along the U.S. Southern border have witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of migrants entering the country illegally.

Arizona Department of Economic Security Launching Program to Subsidize Utility Bills for Some Customers

October 19, 2021October 18, 2021 Cooper Moran

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) and Governor Doug Ducey announced on Friday that the state will launch a program to help subsidize utility bills for certain customers.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will allow the state to enter a partnership with multiple private companies in order to ease the payment burden on residents of the state.

Maricopa County Judge Rules Arizona Ban on Mask Mandates Unconstitutional

September 28, 2021September 27, 2021 Cooper Moran

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Katherine Cooper ruled on Monday that the Arizona state legislature’s ban on mask mandates in the state is unconstitutional.

In her ruling, Cooper issued an injunction against the measure, which will prevent the ban from taking effect in public schools throughout the state.

Arizona Governor Ducey Slams Biden’s ‘Dictatorial’ Vaccine Mandate

September 10, 2021September 9, 2021 Cooper Moran

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on Thursday slammed President Joe Biden’s announcement of a broad-reaching vaccine mandate.

Biden announced on Thursday that his administration and the Department of Labor plan to require all businesses with more than 100 employees to require COVID-19 vaccinations or weekly testing, potentially affecting approximately 100 million Americans.

Coalition Files Lawsuit Against Two Arizona Voting Laws, Claiming Voter Suppression

August 23, 2021August 22, 2021 The Center Square

A coalition of groups filed a lawsuit against two voting laws passed in the last session, arguing that the statutes could disenfranchise thousands of voters.

Mi Familia Vota, Arizona Coalition for Change, Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA), and Chispa Arizona alleged in the lawsuit filed on Aug. 17 that the bills “violate the right of all Arizonans to vote.”

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey Calls on Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas to Resign Following Explosive Leaked Comments

August 14, 2021August 13, 2021 Cooper Moran

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on Friday called on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to resign after reports of leaked comments made by the top security official.

In the comments obtained by Fox News, Mayorkas said, “A couple of days ago I was down in Mexico, and I said look, you know, if, if our borders are the first line of defense, we’re going to lose and this is unsustainable.”

Arizona State Lawmakers Call on Ducey to Withhold Funding from Schools with Mask Mandates

August 13, 2021August 12, 2021 Cooper Moran

A group of Arizona state lawmakers on Wednesday urged Governor Doug Ducey to take direct action against school districts that have seemingly ignored a new state law that prevents mask mandates.

In total, 26 legislators called on Ducey to withhold funding from school districts with mask mandates and authorize temporary school vouchers for students in the districts with mandates.

Arizona State Senator Kelly Townsend Files Ethics Complaint Against State Sen. Navarrete, Calls for His Expulsion

August 10, 2021August 9, 2021 Cooper Moran

State Senator Kelly Townsend (R-Mesa) introduced a formal ethics complaint against her colleague Senator Tony Navarrete (D-Phoenix) and urged Governor Doug Ducey to call a special legislative session to expel the embattled state legislator.

Navarrete was arrested on Thursday and charged with seven felony counts connected to allegations of sexual conduct with two minors. He faces up to a minimum of 49 years in prison.

Top Two Arizona Gov. Ducey Aides Leave Administration

August 6, 2021August 5, 2021 Cooper Moran

Governor Doug Ducey’s top two aides, Chief of Staff Daniel Scarpinato and Deputy Chief of Staff Gretchen Conger, announced on Thursday that they will leave the administration to pursue other career interests.

Scarpinato has been named as a partner at Ascent Media, a national advertising and political consulting firm based in Washington, D.C, and Conger serve as Senior Advisor to the Sarah Huckabee Sanders campaign.

Tucson Unified School District Ignores State Law, Implements Mask Mandate

August 6, 2021August 5, 2021 Cooper Moran

Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) announced on Wednesday that all students and staff must wear a mask during the upcoming school year, a direct violation of state law.

The mandate will be implemented on Thursday, when the new school year begins and over 40,000 students resume classes.

Arizona Republican Juan Ciscomani Launches Congressional Campaign

August 4, 2021August 3, 2021 Cooper Moran

Juan Ciscomani, a native Arizonan and an advisor to Governor Doug Ducey, ignited a bid for Congress on Tuesday to represent Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District.

“Joe Biden & Nancy Pelosi are pushing failed policies that are hurting Southern AZ: An avoidable border crisis, efforts to force a federal takeover of our elections, crushing taxes & out-of-control spending that leave the American Dream out of reach for so many,” Ciscomani described as his reason for declaring his intent for the seat.

Phoenix Union High School District Issues Mask Mandate, Breaking State Law

July 31, 2021July 30, 2021 Corinne Murdock

Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) issued a mask mandate on Friday, in violation of state law. The mandate was issued three days before the district began its fall semester.

“We teach and trust science, follow guidelines and recommendations from health experts, and use health data to drive our decisions. The science is clear that the best way to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19 and known variants is to get vaccinated,” announced PXU. “In an effort to protect our staff, students, and community, PXU has a good faith belief that the following guidance from the CDC and other health agencies regarding mitigation strategies is imperative. Therefore, Phoenix Union will begin the school year on August 2 enforcing our existing Board-adopted mask requirement of universal indoor masking only, regardless of vaccination status.”

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey Files Amicus Brief to Ask Supreme Court to Overturn Roe v. Wade

July 31, 2021July 30, 2021 Cooper Moran

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on Thursday joined 11 other Republican governors and filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court to ask the court to overturn Roe v. Wade — which created a federal ban on preventing abortions.

“Every single life has immeasurable value. That includes children who are preborn — and I believe it’s each state’s responsibility to protect them. It is time for the U.S. Supreme Court to fix their mistake and return this authority to the individual states as the democratic process intends,” Governor Ducey said in a statement.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey Slams ‘Updated’ CDC Guidelines

July 29, 2021July 28, 2021 Cooper Moran

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on Tuesday slammed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for recently “updating” its guidelines on masks.

Earlier this week, the agency changed their policy to recommend that some vaccinated individuals resume wearing masks in certain situations. Additionally, the group suggested that all K-12 students continue to wear masks when returning to the classroom this fall.

Arizona Gov. Ducey Urges Biden Administration to Keep Health Restrictions in Place at Border

July 14, 2021July 13, 2021 Cooper Moran

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey sent a letter on Tuesday to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging the leader to not reverse specific health restrictions that are currently in place at the U.S. Southern border.

The current rule, Title 42, was put into place by President Donald Trump in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus over the course of the pandemic.

Tucson Pledges Allegiance to Biden Administration on Gun Regulation, Snubs Arizona’s New Second Amendment Protection Law

July 1, 2021June 30, 2021 Corinne Murdock

Tucson will side with the federal government over state law when it comes to gun regulations, according to its city council’s latest resolution.

According to the resolution, passed last Tuesday, states don’t have the right to reject federal law. The city council directed the city manager to continue using city personnel and financial resources to carry out any federal actions or programs regulating guns. It also directed the city attorney to engage in litigation concerning Second Amendment sanctuary laws or proclamations.

Arizona Senate Passes Budget After House Democrats Walk Out to Block Proceedings

June 24, 2021June 24, 2021 Cooper Moran

The Arizona Senate worked late into the night on Tuesday in order to pass the state’s budget and other key initiatives, such as expanding the state’s school voucher program and blocking Critical Race Theory (CRT) education.

The proceedings began on the Senate side after Arizona House Democrats refused to show up at the Capitol, blocking the deliberative body from being able to conduct debate on a budget and tax cuts for the state’s residents.