Arizona faces many challenges ahead. None is more important or more pressing than passing a new state budget.

We emerged from the events of September 11 more steadfast in our beliefs, more courageous in our actions and more determined to protect our values than ever before.

Despite Arizona's remarkable growth in recent years, we have met the current federal health standards for ozone pollution and the Environmental Protection Agency recently approved our dust control plan.

Government cannot be all things to all people.

At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child's success is the positive involvement of parents.

Arizona is a national leader in school choice with both charter schools and tuition tax credits giving parents and their children more school choices than ever before.

I also want to thank Arizona citizens for their efforts at conserving energy last summer.