Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs criticized the handling of the University of Arizona's financial crisis, expressing a lack of trust in the leadership and process. She called for an independent consultant to address the crisis, raised concerns about conflicts of interest, and demanded a plan from the Arizona Board of Regents by February 9. The crisis involves a budget deficit and a $240 million miscalculation of cash reserves, with the acquisition of UA Global Campus also under scrutiny. Regents Chair Fred DuVal stated that the board will retain outside auditors and announced plans to address the situation on Monday.
Gov. Katie Hobbs is pushing for a new law mandating fingerprint background checks for teachers and staff in Arizona's private schools as part of her plan to regulate the school voucher program, but faces opposition from some Republicans who argue that private schools should not be forced to do something they are already doing. House Speaker Ben Toma is open to debating the idea as a separate bill, separate from changes to the voucher program.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has signed an executive order deploying the National Guard to assist law enforcement agencies in southern Arizona's border communities. The move comes as the federal government has failed to provide necessary resources to secure the border and manage the flow of migrants. The Lukeville port of entry has been closed for nearly two weeks, causing travel and business disruptions, while the San Luis Port of Entry is experiencing longer wait times. Governor Hobbs met with Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo Montaño to discuss reopening the Lukeville port.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has launched "Operation SECURE" in response to the ongoing migrant surge near the Lukeville Port of Entry, which has been closed for nearly a week. The operation includes the creation of a border security office within the state Department of Homeland Security and the allocation of up to $5 million to support the Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement at the border. Governor Hobbs is urging the federal government to take action and bring security and order to the border, while also seeking reimbursement for ongoing border operations. State leaders are also calling on President Biden to mobilize National Guardsmen to aid in reopening the Lukeville border crossing.
