I have not forgotten my promises to the people of Arizona, to the parents who send their children to our schools, to the taxpayers who want their burden lifted, to the sick who need our help and to the families, the families who are still struggling to achieve the American dream. My word is my bond, I am their voice. Fortunately, Arizona is doing a lot of things right. We can thank the people of Arizona and policy makers past and present for some of our successes and thank God for the rest. Arizona's economy has now grown for eight consecutive years.
Real incomes are on the rise, while inflation and unemployment are at historic lows.
Companies know Arizona is the place to start a business and watch it succeed. This includes large employers like USAA, with the potential for 15,000 high quality jobs that just announced plans to put its western regional center in Phoenix. Yet, the vast majority of new jobs is created by small businesses. That is where Arizona is most vibrant. Last year, nearly 40,000 businesses started up in Arizona, more than ever before.