In a stance against Governor Katie Hobbs’ (D) budget proposal, Arizona Republicans have pledged to block her attempts to increase taxes and curtail school choice opportunities. The joint press release by State Representative David Livingston and State Senator John Kavanaugh termed Hobbs’ proposal as “partisan” and “unrealistic,” vowing to safeguard the interests of taxpayers and the freedom to choose the right education for children.
🚨FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Legislature Will Not Raise Taxes or Cut School Choice, as the Governor's Budget Proposes@JohnKavanagh_AZ @Livingston4AZ pic.twitter.com/SLeV3IzR1J
— AZSenateRepublicans (@AZSenateGOP) January 12, 2024
Governor Hobbs’ 2025 budget plan, unveiled on Friday, drew criticism for its proposal to eliminate tax credits that benefit low-income families with students and for potentially pushing half of the students currently enrolled in the popular Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) school choice program back into public schools. Republican lawmakers asserted that the ESA program empowers parents to control their children’s learning environments, and reducing its scope would diminish opportunities for families across the state.
🚨FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE🚨
The Legislature Will Not Raise Taxes or Cut School Choice, as the Governor’s Budget Proposes“Like last year’s proposal, the governor’s budget is an unserious mess,” stated House Appropriations Chairman David @Livingston4AZ . “Her revenue and enrollment… pic.twitter.com/XGPvBcwHSS
— Arizona House Republicans (@AZHouseGOP) January 12, 2024
Governor Hobbs has long been a vocal critic of the ESA program and has consistently advocated for reduced spending in the realm of school choice. In 2023, she even proposed a budget that would have entirely abolished the program.
As discussions and debates unfold around this issue, it is crucial to closely monitor and evaluate the potential impact on taxpayers and the future of school choice in Arizona.
