In response to Gov. Katie Hobbs’ State of the State address, yes. every kid. released the following statement:
“The governor’s proposal for ESAs would kill the program through unnecessary regulations, kicking thousands of Arizona students, including those with disabilities, out of the school that works best for them,” said Shannon Pahls, public affairs director, yes. every kid. “This is another attempt to put control back into the hands of government and bureaucratic officials instead of families. No one knows children better than their families, and that’s why they should be the ones making decisions about their kids’ education, not the governor.”
An August 2023 poll conducted by yes. every kid. foundation. found that over three-quarters of Arizona parents (78%) and almost two-thirds of non-parents (62%) support ESAs.
About the Empowerment Scholarship Account program:
- The ESA program is in high demand with families throughout the state.
- Over 73,000 students are currently enrolled in the ESA program, allowing them to receive an education that meets their individual needs.
- The ESA program includes multiple levels of transparency.
- Families using ESAs are required to make purchases through an approved online marketplace or upload receipts for every purchase, while no public school is scrutinized per receipt. ESA families are required to use funds for approved educational purposes according to their legal contract with ADE.
- The ESA program is saving taxpayer dollars.
- According to a Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC), the total funding for K-12 public education in Arizona is projected to reach $14,673 per student for fiscal year 2024. However, ESA students receive only 90% of state funds, which is typically between $6,000- $9,000.
- The ESA program is achieving its intended purpose.
- The ESA program empowers families with the opportunity to access the education setting or resources that work for them, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
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