January 13, 2020 marked the beginning of the 54th Legislature – Second Regular Session. To begin the legislative session, Governor Doug Ducey addressed the legislature and delivered the State of the State Address. In the governor’s address, he praised Arizona’s growth and strong economy, declining crime rates, rising school test scores, and strong trade partnerships for the passage of the USMCA. Governor Ducey emphasized the phrase that he has touted throughout his time as governor: “No new taxes!” Some of the governor’s priorities emphasized in the address include: increased access to mental health care, elimination of taxes on military pensions, investment in post-secondary educational programs, rural infrastructure needs, rural broadband grants in smart highway corridors, completion of compact negotiations, support of the state university system’s New Economy Initiative, investment in tourism, second chance programs for Arizona’s inmate population and raising correctional officer pay, closing of one of Arizona’s state prisons, and a workforce development partnership with Local First to bolster the economy for small businesses. For further detail on Governor Ducey’s State of the State Address, view the full speech here.