Launching the legislative session
![AZ Chamber](/sites/default/files/styles/az_large/public/2025-01/AZ-Chamber-kick-off.jpg.webp?itok=if0GX1yG)
At the Arizona Chamber kick-off luncheon, KTAR-Radio's Mike Broomhead facilitated a discussion with (from left) Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert), Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan (D-Tucson), House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos (D-Phoenix) and Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro (R-Goodyear).
The GCR team represented the university at several events marking the beginning of Arizona's lawmaking season, which included forecasts of the 2025 session.
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry's annual Legislative Forecast Luncheon kicked things off on Jan. 10, with remarks from Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and legislative leaders. The governor emphasized the importance of affordability as it relates to child care and housing, as well as the importance of extending Proposition 123 to increase K-12 education funding and addressing Arizona's long-term water challenges.
In a fireside chat with Arizona Chamber President and CEO Danny Seiden, Gov. Hobbs said she hopes to work with President Donald Trump's administration on his stated plans to impose tariffs on imported goods and the challenges that would create with Mexico, Arizona's largest trading partner.
Following the governor's remarks, a lively panel discussion moderated by KTAR host Mike Broomhead featured Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert), Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro (R-Goodyear), Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan (D-Tucson) and House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos (D-Phoenix).
The governor delivered a similar message on Jan. 14 at the 23rd Annual East Valley Breakfast with the Governor, hosted by the East Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Phoenix East Valley Partnership. During the event, Gov. Hobbs reinforced her commitment to foster Arizona's economic growth and competitiveness by attracting new businesses, advocating for affordable housing, supporting existing enterprises and investing in innovative industries.
Hobbs, Petersen and Montenegro echoed their remarks at the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Legislative Kick-Off Reception, held at the Heard Museum on Jan. 16, which was attended by more than 300 business and community leaders.