Please read this important update on the status of public education in Arizona:
Dear Parents and Friends of Public Education,
I hope you are all refreshed from your Spring Break and ready to get to work on the continuing budget process. Here is what we know – or continue to not know:
1) The State is facing a $3.1-3 billion budget deficit for 2010. The Legislature is still deciding how to close that gap. The Governor has said that both revenue enhancements and cuts must be considered in the process.
2) Despite the mid-year cuts made for 2009, the State is still short about $450 million for 2009.
3) The governor has agreed to accept federal stimulus money for Arizona. While it is not yet clear exactly where and how these funds can be used, it does seem fair to assume that they will have a mitigating impact on the effect of the predicted 2010 cuts. You can monitor the acceptance and expenditure of these funds atazrecovery.gov.
Here are some solutions to the problems currently under consideration:
1) Cut State expenditures.
Education funding represents about 42% of the State’s budget. With a $3 billion deficit looming, this is one big pot of money from which to find funds to balance the budget. The Governor noted just yesterday, at a breakfast hosted by the East Valley Partnership, that further cuts to K-12 and higher education are inevitable.
2) Keep existing revenue sources.There is currently legislation pending that would repeal the County Equalization Tax. Keeping this tax in place will bring $250 million into the State coffers. Currently, this tax is suspended, but is due to be reinstated in 2010.
Also, legislation has passed that will increase the amount that both individuals and corporations can give, via tax credit, to private schools. If this new legislation is signed into law by the Governor, the general fund could be depleted by as much as $17 million next year, with an amount increasing by 20% every year thereafter. If the bill is not signed into law, those funds will continue to flow into the general fund.
3) Accept the Federal Stimulus funds.Depending on how and where these funds can be used, they could significantly impact the amount of our State deficit.
4) Find new revenue sources.
The Governor has proposed asking the voters to pass a tax increase. In the absence of the political will to do this, the Legislature may be asked to consider such a measure.
What can you do?
Keep on contacting your Legislators and the Governor, and remind them all that in this budget debate education funding must remain a priority.
* Cuts may be inevitable given the magnitude of our problem, but our goal – everyone’s goal in this State – should be to keep those cuts as short term and as far from the classroom as possible, giving the most flexibility that we can to individual districts.
* In these dire economic times, we should be asking if making tax cuts is prudent. Certainly, some would argue that in a recession, raising taxes is counter-indicated. But it can also be argued that giving back existing taxes and further depleting our revenue streams through increased tax credits in the face of a $3 billion deficit are not wise choices.
* Finally we must remember that the State has a Constitutional obligation to “provide for the establishment and maintenance of a general and uniform public school system-” even, and maybe especially, in difficult times. There is a campaign to bring attention to this issue- Join Hands for Education. Check out how you can be a part of reminding our representatives that our children need to be their priority at their website.
Our legislators know they face hard choices. We need to let them know that we understand the reality of the deficit, but that we still place a long-term priority on adequate education funding – even when times are tough. As always, please make sure your comments are factual and polite. Personal anecdotes and good ideas are always welcome in correspondences. And most importantly, remember that our voice counts and together we CAN make a difference.
Thanks for your continuing involvement in our children’s education!
Francesca Thomas, SPC Legislative Liaison
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