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Statement from ABOR Chair Lyndel Manson on governor’s 2022-23 executive budget

January 14, 2022

“Arizona’s public universities have been essential partners in helping the state navigate the pandemic, and going forward will be equally vital as economic engines and workforce generators. The Arizona Board of Regents appreciates Gov. Ducey’s support of and investment in these critical institutions.

“Specifically, Gov. Ducey has proposed to allocate $46 million to ABOR’s New Economy Initiative, which is focused on training the future workforce for some of Arizona’s fastest-growing sectors, including engineering, health care and more. These are also areas in which taxpayers will receive some of the strongest return on their investment.

“The board is committed to ensuring cost is never a barrier to Arizona students and families interested in furthering their education. The Arizona Promise scholarship covers all tuition and fees for low-income, Arizona resident students to attend ASU, NAU or UArizona. With an additional investment proposed by Gov. Ducey, this program will open the door to opportunity for more qualified students.  

“Additionally, the board and each of our public universities salute the service of Arizona service members and veterans. We know that military spouses sacrifice also, and applaud Gov. Ducey’s investment in a scholarship to cover the costs for these men and women to attend the Arizona public university or community college of their choice.”

“Lastly, the board commends the governor’s continued investment in civics education at all levels of public education. We share his belief that Arizona students must be grounded in the principles on which our nation was founded, as well as fully informed to participate in our constitutional democracy based on the American values of individual liberty, freedom of expression, self-reliance and equality under the law. 

“This is merely the beginning of the state budget process. But the board looks forward to working with the Governor’s Office and legislators to ensure our public universities remain strong institutions on behalf of the Arizona students and families they serve.”

Contact:
Sarah Harper, 602-229-2542, 602-402-1341 | Sarah.K.Harper@azregents.edu
Julie Newberg, 602-229-2534 | julie.newberg@azregents.edu