This week brought breaking news around Arizona’s ESA voucher crisis— and as usual, it’s worse than we thought.
This week, Mary Jo Pitzl of the Arizona Republic wrote two scathing reports of the ESA voucher program, which former Governor Ducey universally expanded to all students last year despite outright voter rejection in 2018. According to her first report, the budgetary squeeze of Ducey’s universal ESA vouchers and his ruinous flat tax (which is just now being fully phased in) is spelling economic disaster for our state.
“The legislature shall enact such laws as shall provide for the establishment and maintenance of a general and uniform public school system, which system shall include:
All told, Arizona is headed for economic disaster. 2024 is an election year – and Arizona voters must seize the urgent opportunity to elect a new legislature that will operate within its means, serve the people instead of the rich ruling class, and prioritize and fund public education.
Around the Horne
ICYMI: Superintendent Horne is once again attacking teachers and schools, this time threatening to defund the dual language instruction models that serve English Language Learners. This outrageous decision limits the educational opportunities of Arizona’s students and ignores the benefits of bilingualism. Please add your voice to this letter from Stand for Children that urges the Arizona State Board of Education to reinstate the 50-50 dual language model by July 19 (when many Arizona schools reopen their doors).
Your voice matters. A simple phone call or email to your lawmaker asking them to prioritize funding for schools and responsible policies for education goes a long way. In order for Arizona to move forward and thrive, these critical discussions need to take place. Find your legislative district here. Email and phone information for your representatives is here and your senator is here.
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Statewide Rural Action Summits – Mark Your Calendars!
Navajo Nation – July 22 – Register here!
Sierra Vista – August 26 – Register here!
Yuma – November 4
Speaking of Schools: Advocating for Public Schools in Rural America
Monday, July 17 at 5:00 pm
Education Advocacy Mini Sessions
Mondays at 6:30pm – Register here!
July 10 – Welcome to Team SOSAZ!
July 24 – Back to School Advocacy
Amazing things happen in Arizona’s public schools every single day. Let’s take some time over the summer to highlight stories from our community schools that make us #PublicSchoolProud!
Peoria Elementary School partnered with Zuri’s Circle and work on their community garden with special guests from the Seattle Mariners!
In Flagstaff, KinderCamp students “Bridged Over” to kindergarten!
Students in Scottsdale felt the rhythm playing the steel drums with the Musical Instrument Museum!
On the last day of Yuma School District’s STEMKAMP, students got to show their families all of the fun projects and cool science they had learned throughout the week.
In Pennsylvania, Governor Shapiro has vowed to exercise his line-item veto on a school voucher plan featured in this year’s budget. The plan, crafted by Senate Republicans as part of the larger budget package, was fiercely opposed by House Democrats and other public school advocates. The budget as passed includes small wins for public education, including $567 million in new spending and funding for free school breakfast.
In a bizarre twist, the PA House Republican Freedom Caucus even published a meme casting the House Democrats as the heroic Captain Miller facing down against a Nazi tank, meant to represent the school choice movement 🤦🏻♀️ Thank you to the Pennsylvania House Democrats for holding the line to protect Pennsylvania public schools, students, and teachers!
AZ Loves Public Schools Car Magnets & Yard Signs!
Be the first to order HERE!
Note: Yard signs are currently available only in Maricopa, Pima, and Yavapai Counties where our field team can personally deliver. Check back for more counties soon!
Order AZ Loves Public Schools Tees, Tanks & Sweatshirts on AMAZON!
Be the first to order HERE!
Don’t forget your red #PublicSchoolProud shirt – order HERE. While we get ready to change suppliers, we’re offering 2 shirts for your donation of $30, or one for an $18 donation. Wear Public School Proud gear to show your dedication to well-funded public education in Arizona!
Sign up for a Community Action Team: East Valley, West Valley & North Phoenix, Scottsdale & Paradise Valley, Central & South Phoenix, Northern Arizona, and Southern Arizona! Your local coordinators will help you with using Request to Speak and contacting your lawmakers.
Request an SOSAZ Education Roadshow presentation HERE
Sign up to automatically receive the SOSAZ Legislative Weekly Report HERE
