Budget Gets a Rocky Start
The budget bills moved through Appropriations committee and caucus today. Democrats continued to express reservations over the lack of ESA repeal or limitation.
Adding fuel to the Democrats’ ire in the House, the Republican majority members of the House Appropriations Committee elected to depart from standard operation procedure and move the entire budget package in one mass motion, depriving Democrats of the customary opportunity to make comments, ask questions of staff or members of the public and vote on each bill individually.
As of this writing, we are not aware that Democrats have received any additional concessions that would bring the caucuses on board. But, if every member of the Republican caucuses is willing to vote for the budget, it could conceivably pass without them. The House has has adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning, however the Senate remains in session, albeit at recess.
ASBA continues to support the K-12 funding within the budget. Regardless of how we got here, given the FY24 funding constraints, there is not a lot of ongoing funding avialable, but district schools are getting a decent chunk of what is available. However, we do share the concerns of both the Governor and Legislative Democrats that ESAs must be addressed at the earliest opportunity. ASBA’s complete statement on the issue is below.
Arizona’s School Districts on balance stand to benefit from the current budget before the Arizona Legislature. Ongoing increases to the base level, critical increases for school district capital needs, and continued investment in school facilities are vital to the continued improvement of Arizona’s school districts. A one-time infusion of $300M will allow districts to preserve precious formula dollars for ongoing needs such as teacher and staff pay and benefits. We recognize those Legislators who routinely champion public education and their efforts are appreciated. We appreciate the Governor has made a positive approach to K-12 education a centerpiece of her agenda, and secured an agreement to override the FY24 Aggregate Expenditure Limit. The Legislature is wise to ensure that school districts are able to allocate state funding, certain that it will be there to spend when needed. The peace of mind that brings to educators and the stability it provides to students is significant.
We are dismayed however that Arizona will spend an estimated $600M in public funds on private and religious education next year with no sign of slowing. This unchecked spending is irresponsible and, frankly, surprising in a state known for being fiscally conservative. Arizona’s general fund cannot sustain such rapid growth without additional revenue. If the Legislature does nothing, the ESA program will continue to eat into the state’s revenue stream and make future investment not only in schools, but also higher education, healthcare, and transportation all but impossible. ASBA supports any effort to constrain its growth as soon as possible.
As a statewide association, ASBA will always advocate for the policy that best protects its members in uncertain times. And so, while we support banking the wins for K12 education in this budget, we also acknolwedge that ESAs put the state’s financial future at risk and must be dealt with when the opportunity arises.