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Put aside differences to reach unanimous consensus on K-12 funding
Governor Ducey recently called on Congress to “talk to each other,” to “stop playing games,” and to “get it done” when referring to the government shutdown. We echo that sentiment. Our classrooms are in crisis. We need our leaders to talk to each other, and get it done.
2018 Legislative forecast: Finding money for public schools
Gov. Doug Ducey kicks off the legislative session Monday with a call for more education funding -- but not with the tax hikes that some say are necessary to provide truly adequate funding for schools.
Educators present plan to fund public schools without raising taxes
Hoping to set the agenda, a coalition of educators and others laid out options that could generate more than $950 million for education this coming year, all without a general hike in sales taxes.
Lack of federal funding leaves proposed state veterans homes in limbo
In 2015, the state budget included $9.2 million for a new veterans state home in Yuma. In 2017, $10 million was designated to build a state home in Flagstaff. However, construction is stalled on both projects because this state funding makes up only 35 percent of total costs.
Schools cover tab for lawmakers’ failure to fund special education
Arizona lawmakers have not adjusted the additional dollars allocated for students with special needs in at least a decade, and public schools have been left to make up the difference.
Arizona cuts to college student support still among steepest in nation
State support for students at Arizona’s three public universities has fallen by 53.8 percent since 2008, more than three times the national decline over the same period, according to a new report.
Confusion abounds over Ducey’s public-school performance pay plan
Gov. Doug Ducey’s signature results-based funding plan for excelling schools still has districts questioning when they will receive money and how exactly it must be spent.
Arizona has not funded a ‘general and uniform public school system’
The Legislature recently approved a state budget proposal that prevents any new net reductions to K-12 education in Arizona this fiscal year. Though the budget increases overall funding for K-12 education, it does not do so equally, and all students in Arizona do not have the opportunity to benefit. We are not OK with that.
Let’s start by devoting $20 million to early literacy
The number of third graders who don’t pass the reading exam in Arizona would fill every seat of Chase Field, with 5,000 kids still waiting in line outside!
Advocates: Relatively small fund cuts have big impact on Arizona arts
The Trump administration’s call to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities in next year’s budget would mean the loss of just over $1.5 million in federal funds for Arizona.
Senator promises to scale back bill that threatens political entities’ funding
A Senate panel has approved a bill expanding a law that allows the state to withhold money from government entities that don’t do as legislators please after its sponsor promised to scale back the scope of its application.
House panel pushes funding increase for smart kids
Lawmakers want to restore $3.5 million for Arizona’s gifted students.
