Gov. calls on lawmakers to look to future

In her last State of the State speech Jan. 12, Gov. Janet Napolitano acknowledged the looming budget deficit, but reminded lawmakers "We don't have to go back, we do have to go forward."

"Generations to come will not remember us for how we balanced the budget, or how we expanded or contracted the size of government. Instead, they will remember how we educated our children, how we protected our seniors, how we built a new economy, and how we made a wonderful state and even better place to live," Napolitano said.

But many of the specific programs she mentioned received tepid, if any applauds, including a call to insure that short-term budget decisions didn't do long-term harm to children.

Rep. John McComish (R-Ahwatukee Foothills) thought the speech was more of a recap of her past seven years in office than a call to arms for this legislative session, although he did agree with Napolitano's request that lawmakers look at reforms to the initiative process.

But Rep. Rae Waters (D-Ahwatukee Foothills) hoped that her message of targeted budget cuts would help guide the Legislature over the coming weeks as it deals with an almost $5 billion budget deficit over the next 18 months.

"From what I've heard, people want smart cuts, not slash and burn," Waters said.

Napolitano asked lawmakers to protect children's programs, including education, health care and health care services.

She also pointed to Washington D.C., as a possible source of funding to help with Arizona infrastructure needs, especially transportation and growing health care costs.

One initiative that did receive bi-partisan applauds was a proposal to give all military veterans in-state tuition at state universities.

"This will continue the important work of both supporting our veterans and increasing the number of college graduates in our state," Napolitano said.

Her loudest applauds came when she acknowledged governor-in-waiting Jan Brewer.

"I ask that all of you in this chamber, Republicans and Democrats alike, join with her, in the spirit of service, to move this state forward," Napolitano asked.

It is expected that Napolitano will be confirmed by the Senate next week and that Brewer will be sworn in as governor on Jan. 21.