Governor Jan Brewer told a group of about 200 at a Sept. 5 Republican gathering that the Arizona comeback from the recession is an economic success story.

“Arizona is performing very well,” Brewer said. “It is one of the most successful comebacks from the recession in the country.

“It was driven by conservative hands-off policies that were the principles of Ronald Reagan.”

The meeting was sponsored by the Fountain Hills Republican Club, and Brewer told the GOP- friendly crowd that when she took office the state had a $3 billion debt and was in an economic free-fall.

Brewer said that with proven Republican “less government” and pro-business principles the state has balanced the budget and created a $1 billion surplus.

Brewer chided President Barack Obama for his recent visit to Arizona.

She said the president tried to share credit for the state’s housing recovery when he might have better used his time in visiting Yarnell fire victims or Arizona’s beleaguered border.

“We watch what our friends in the White House do – and do just the opposite,” Brewer said.

Brewer took a lot of criticism from GOP legislators when she pushed and won a battle to have the Legislature accept federal funding for an extension of the state’s Medicaid program.

“Arizona is different from other states,” Brewer said. “Other states had an option, Arizona had no option.”

Voters in Arizona have mandated that the state pay health costs for 100 percent of the poverty level.

“If we did this with the state’s dollars our surplus would be gone in two years,” Brewer said.

“I believe it is more important to maintain a balanced budget and support our core services.

“I believe this path is practical, conservative and responsible. It will create 21,000 jobs and will put $8 billion into the economy with zero cost to the general fund.”

Brewer also noted that should the federal dollars not come as promised, the state law has an automatic “circuit breaker” that will shut the program down.

“I remain fervently opposed to Obamacare,” Brewer said. “This solution has been wrongly linked to Obamacare.”

Brewer also talked briefly about the state’s pro-business footing.

“I have made it a personal mission to make Arizona the best place to do business,” she said. “And we are well on our way.”

Brewer said that immigration reform is an important objective, but Congress should be cautious not to accept just anything.

“What we are seeing is a re-run of 1996, built on the empty promise to secure the border,” Brewer said. “That must come first; I have been dedicated to border security since I came into office, we have the opportunity to do it right, let’s not waste it.”

Brewer was greeted by members of the Town Council as she entered the Community Center, and was welcomed by Mayor Linda Kavanagh.

Other officials recognized for their presence were Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, Secretary of State Ken Bennett, State Representative Michelle Ugenti and Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Chucri.

As she left the venue Brewer took the time to greet numerous people, talking, posing for photos and signing autographs.

Kavanagh presented the governor with the signature “Fountain Pin” given to official guests visiting Fountain Hills.