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Sunday, March 29, 2009

CARE Concerned Arizona Residents for Education Weekly Update

The leadership in the Arizona Legislature has released its Budget Proposal for fiscal year (FY) 2009-2010. Full details will be released next week. The new budget proposal includes over $330 million in K-12 budget cuts and $200 million in cuts to Arizona's universities. These cuts will be in addition to the $133 million to cut to K-12 and the $160 million cut to universities in the budget for FY 2008-2009.

There are other options to these deep cuts to Arizona’s public education system. Arizona is due to receive $830 million for public education through the federal stimulus package. The money must be used during the next two budget years for classroom funding or building maintenance. These education dollars are available only if Arizona’s spending on public education does not fall below 2006 spending levels. There is also an additional $185 million that Governor Brewer will have the discretion to spend over the next two years.

Governor Jan Brewer has written a letter requesting the stimulus money, see Governor Brewer's Letter. However she has indicated that she may not accept all of the money. She has also stated that she will support further cuts to public education. As noted above, to receive the federal money, spending levels for education must not fall below 2006 spending levels. The current cuts to spending on higher education may fail to meet this criterion. See Arizona Star article, Stimulus money hangs in balance.Arizona’s priorities must include proper funding of public education. The Arizona State Constitution requires the Legislature to adequately fund public schools. Arizona Constitution, Article 11, Section 10 states “the legislature shall make such appropriations, to be met by taxation, as shall insure the proper maintenance of all state educational institutions, and shall make such special appropriations as shall provide for their development and improvement.”

The Education Equalization Property Tax would bring in $250 million a year for education. This tax had been in effect for 26 years until it was suspended in 2006 when Arizona had a budget surplus. The tax, which directly benefits public education, is due to resume in FY 2009-2010. It would cost the average homeowner $8 a month. HB 2073 Permanently Repeal Education Equalization Property Tax and its Senate counterpart, would permanently repeal the State Equalization Property Tax. If the legislature does nothing, $250 million a year will go directly towards public education at a time when schools critically need these funds. Governor Brewer’s position on this bill has been equivocal.

When asked by CARE to comment on the impact of the proposed cuts, Vicki Balentine, Ph.D., Superintendent of Amphitheater Schools in Northwest Tucson, told CARE that "The health of the K-12 and university system is a critical component of Arizona's economic future. This proposal will continue to debilitate our K-12 system and negatively impact the future of Arizona as a whole."

CARE Action of the week.

Email (this links to a form to comment to the governor) or call Governor Brewer: Email Governor Jan Brewer 1-800-253-0883

· Thank her for accepting the federal stimulus monies.

· Urge her to maintain 2006 spending levels for education allowing Arizona to qualify for the federal money designated for education, approximately $830 million.

· Remind her that funding public education is mandated in the Arizona Constitution.

· Emphasis that further degrading the public education system will hamper Arizona’s economic recovery.

· Encourage the governor to reconsider her position on HB 2073, the repeal of the education equalization property tax. If allowed to resume on schedule, this tax would provide $250 million to public education.

· Tell her why you personally value public education.

Contact your legislators:

CARE has been given some helpful hints for emails and letters. In the subject line of your email, mention that you support public education and your district. Some examples:

· Fund public education. I live in LD 26 and I vote.

· Support public education. LD 25 voter.

· Make public education a priority. LD 30 constituent.

CARE provides talking points, but not form letters. We have been told that form letters are easily disregarded and variation in the body of your email or letter is important.

Find your legislator

Members of Arizona State Legislature


To reach legislators, you can also call the toll-free line: 1-800-352-8404

NOTE:
If you use the toll free line, at the prompt dial the last four digits of the legislator's phone number.

In the news.

K-12 funding could be cut $330M more

Arizona's High Court Bans School Vouchers


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