Advocates for Arizona public schools call for reform of ESA voucher program

Arizona Public School Advocates Demand Reform on ESA Voucher Program

As Arizona faces a $1.8 billion budget deficit, public school advocates are calling for urgent reform on the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) voucher program. This program allows parents to use public funds for private-school tuition and other education-related costs, drawing criticism from Rep. Analise Ortiz, D-Phoenix.

Ortiz accused the Republican majority of prioritizing privatizing education and profiting off Arizona children, citing the fraud and abuse within the ESA program. She emphasized the impact of ESA vouchers on public school funding, which currently ranks 49th in the nation according to the Education Law Center.

Save our Schools Arizona, a nonpartisan organization, estimates that ESA vouchers will cost the state $825 million in fiscal year 2024. The group has collected over 3,000 signatures from Arizonans demanding ESA voucher reform, emphasizing the need to prioritize public school funding.

Beth Lewis, executive director of Save Our Schools, highlighted the choice facing the state legislature: make cuts to public schools and essential services or work with Gov. Hobbs to reform the ESA program and allocate funds back to public schools. Lewis stressed the importance of addressing the ESA program, especially as teachers struggle to afford basic classroom supplies statewide.

The debate over ESA vouchers continues, with Republicans arguing that the program saves taxpayers money and provides parents with more educational options. However, advocates maintain that reform is necessary to ensure accountability and prioritize public school funding in Arizona.