Arizona Governor hosts State of the State Luncheon in Yuma

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs hosted a State of the State Luncheon in Yuma Thursday afternoon.

The luncheon took place at the Yuma Civic Center at noon, and was put on by the Chamber of Commerce.

Governor Hobbs addressed what was described as "firsthand about key initiatives, challenges, and the future direction of Arizona," according to a press release.

Unlike previous speeches, Gov. Hobbs sat down and answered a variety of questions related to the State of the State Address she delivered earlier this year in Phoenix.

During the luncheon, she tackled many topics from border security, to education, and water for agriculture.

The Governor stated that negotiations are ongoing with other basin state regarding the Colorado River.

"So that we can put forward a proposal that protects Arizona's water, protects the future health of the river system, and that we’re not the ones taking all the cuts from the FEDS," said Gov. Hobbs.

Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls explains how he enjoys the new format.

"I thought it was a great format. It was a lot more interesting, a little more dynamic, and just you know the things that she's been working for the state...It was important to get out and so it was a good conversation in that regard," said Mayor Nicholls.

Gov. Hobbs touched on the impacts of potential Medicaid cuts and how those would impact Arizona.

"The cuts will be devastating when we passed Medicaid expansion here, there was a trigger, so if those funds go away at the federal level ,not only can we not afford to keep it going, it will rivert back because of that trigger," said Gov. Hobbs.

Gov Hobbs. also emphasized the importance of keeping local workforce talent in the state.