Gov. Jan Brewer takes the oath of office Jan. 21 at the Capitol grounds.

Gov. Jan Brewer added gardener to her extensive resume during her Jan. 21 inauguration speech.

The former Maricopa County Supervisor, legislator and secretary of state told thousands of people gathered on the Capitol Lawn she is a "gardener at heart," a hobby that has taught her that "pruning from time to time leads to greater fruit."

And the fiscal health of the state is no different, Brewer said.

Before introducing her plans to improve the state's declining economy, Brewer took a dig at former governor and newly appointed Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, who left the state burdened with "overdue obligations."

"In some ways this feels like you've just shown up for a party," Brewer said, "but the guests have all gone, only the caterer is left and she immediately hands you the bill."

It likely came as no surprise to those attending the inauguration that Brewer's speech focused on the state's every-growing budget deficit, a deficit that puts the state roughly $4 billion short, Brewer said.

Afterward, many legislative Republicans were optimistic about Brewer's approach to the budget crisis.

"I think this is clearly going to be a bright, new beginning for Arizona and fiscal responsibility for citizens," said Rep. John Kavanagh, chairman of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.

District 25 Republican Rep. David Stevens said the governor's office, the Senate and the House of Representatives would be able to "get the right things done," now that all three are controlled by Republicans.

"We're looking to get a good conservative budget through and get the state back on the right path," Stevens said.

But what might come as a surprise to some bystanders is the deficit-solution Brewer presented in her speech.

Cutting the budget, Brewer said, is not as important as the return of economic prosperity.

"It is important to remember that we cannot budget our way to prosperity" Brewer said. "Our first calling at this Capitol is to generate capital – to call forth the creativity, determination and entrepreneurial spirit that made these United States the most prosperous great power in the history of the world."

During her speech, Brewer revealed plans for a "massive stimulus package of our own," to encourage economic prosperity. But her package can't be deposited in bank accounts or used to buy groceries.  

Brewer instead hopes to stimulate the people of Arizona by building "freedom, which she referred to as "our fundamental value, our lodestar and our true north."

"We must make our people free," Brewer said. "Freedom to work and earn a living, to build a business, to build a life."

Freeing citizens and business owners from taxes and regulatory burdens will set Arizona apart from neighboring states and encourage the expansion of entrepreneurial ventures in the state, Brewer said.  

"We must make sure that beleaguered businesses in California and other such overtaxed places hear the music of our commerce and our culture and see brighter prospects in cities and towns across Arizona," she said.

That portion of the speech was a big hit with conservative Republicans, who are hopeful that Brewer will support low taxes and a business-friendly climate in Arizona.

I thought it was very unique that she focused on freedom. I've said for a long time that we kind of lost that element within government, taking away people's freedoms constantly in either over-regulating, excessive taxes, and it suppresses freedom in the human spirit when we do that," said Republican Sen. Sylvia Allen, of Snowflake. "I was really excited to hear what she said."

Rep. Carl Seel, a Phoenix Republican, said he liked what Brewer said about encouraging people to be productive without government intervention.

"She said clearly that we're going to have to reduce the size of government, and you saw what a rousing response the public gave to that," he said, referring to the loud applause Brewer received when she said the size of Arizona's government had gotten too big, and must be reduced.

Some Democrats also were optimistic after Brewer's talk of bipartisanship.

"I'm looking forward to that. I think that our Republican Party is going to be surprised in her positions, whatever decisions she makes. I think they think everything's a rubber stamp for them now, but I don't think so. I think she's going to be in the middle, working both sides," said Sen. Manny Alvarez, an Elfrida Democrat.

Brewer speech concluded with a show of empathy towards struggling Arizonans, and certainty of the state's recovery.

"I have come to know want, and worry, and the anxiety that touches so many people around our state today," she said. "But I know with all certainty that we will make our stand, and soon we will be living out our finest days."