Gov. Lewis Attends 56th Arizona Legislature Opening Day

January 20, 2023

Emma Hughes

Community Newsperson

State lawmakers and guests convened at the Capitol in Phoenix on Jan. 9 for the first day of the 56th Legislative Session, which included opening ceremonies for the Senate and House of Representatives, followed by the “State of the State” address from newly elected Gov. Katie Hobbs. 

Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis and Ak-Chin Indian Community Chairman Robert Miguel were honored guests of Rep. Teresa Martinez (R), District 16. 

Gov. Hobbs outlined her priorities for her administration during the address, which included working with the state’s 22 tribes.

“To Arizona’s tribal governments and nations, your voices will be heard in my administration, your sovereignty will be respected and your contributions will be recognized as we move into the future,” said Hobbs.

Gov. Lewis, who stood up in support during the address, said, “She touched on education, job creations; she touched on a lot of important issues.” He added it was “significant” that Hobbs made a point of saying she’ll work with Tribal nations and respect them.

Another major topic in Hobbs’ address was water and Arizona’s historic drought, which is the worst ever recorded. On Jan. 1, Colorado River Tier 2 mandatory water cuts went into effect, which means Arizona will lose 21 percent of water from the Colorado River, Hobbs said.

Gov. Lewis said, “We [GRIC] are a critical part in that, making sure we protect our water rights and that we’re part of the discussion, that the state works with the Community to make sure that they know what our issues are, and that they support a lot of groundwork that the Community has fought for moving forward.”