Martinez, Shope talk 2024 legislative goals on opening day

New year, new legislative session. 

Arizona lawmakers gathered at the Arizona State Capitol today to hear Gov. Katie Hobbs deliver her second State of the State address.

And while it touched on issues such as economic development, water conservation and border security, Pinal County legislators were mostly unimpressed by the nearly 50-minute speech on opening day.  

“It was long on material and very short on details,” said Sen. TJ Shope (R), who represents Maricopa in legislative district 16.  

Rep. Teresa Martinez (R) said that while she was glad to hear teacher pay and a slightly tougher stance on border security from Hobbs, most of the speech was “typical.” 

Transportation takes precedence 

Instead, the two Republican lawmakers said transportation infrastructure remains one of their top priorities for their constituents.

“State Route 347 and making sure ADOT moves on that is going to be my top priority,” Martinez said. “I know (Hobbs) wants to move forward with electric vehicle charging stations on 347, but I want to make sure Maricopa stays in the loop on that.” 

As a state senator, Shope said his role is to “take a 30,000-foot view of issues” that doesn’t favor a community over others. However, transportation will also play a huge role in his work this session.  

“This year, the biggest goal will be to save the transportation funds we’ve fought for so SR 347 can be improved, and I-10 can be expanded,” Shope said. 

The two Republican lawmakers hinted that other priorities this session include healthcare, education and water conservation. 

What is opening day? 

The first day of session for the state legislature is filled with pageantry: an invocation, presentation of the colors, anthems, guest speeches and the governor’s State of the State. But lawmakers also noted most residents don’t recognize it.  

“It is a huge day for the state of Arizona every year that largely goes unnoticed among the masses,” Shope said.  

For him, it justifies his role as a senator for his constituents. 

“It’s pretty understandable as the people use their voice to send representatives and senators to Phoenix (to participate) so they can continue their daily lives in their jobs and taking care of their families,” he said. 

Martinez, however, hinted she would like to see a little more engagement from the public.

“It’s the best way to hear what priorities are important to the governor and the legislature,” she said.