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“As Arizona emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, focus shifts toward ensuring our state is ready for the challenges of a New Economy increasingly built on the innovation, adaptability and skills of our workforce. On that count, the fiscal year 2022 state budget clearly delivers. The board offers its gratitude to Gov. Doug Ducey, House Speaker Rusty Bowers, Senate President Karen Fann and legislators for investing in our public universities and their integral role in Arizona’s economic wellness.

“This spending plan invests in Arizona’s competitiveness by supporting public university instruction, research and development, especially in the key growth sectors of health care, the sciences, biomedicine and engineering. State funding also will assist ongoing efforts by Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona to meet the needs of a growing number of Arizona students. With the state’s initial investment in the board’s Arizona Promise Program scholarship, qualifying low-income Arizona students will have their tuition and fees paid in full to attend the Arizona public university of their choice. The value of a university degree has never been higher, and this program represents our promise that cost won’t be a barrier to any deserving Arizona student.

“Improving educational attainment across all communities and demographic groups is a board priority. We thank the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education for its diligent efforts in this area and pledge to carry on its important work.

“On behalf of Arizona’s students and families, we look forward to continuing our effort to ensure access to affordable, quality education.”