We brought ideas to the table and were ready to
negotiate. Months ago, Republican leaders promised voters that Prop 123, the
proposed settlement in the public school inflation funding lawsuit, would be the
“first step” in getting money back into classrooms. House Democrats have always
prioritized education, and we knew that Arizona needed a second step that would
increase the state’s investment in public education. Democrats found a way to do
that while keeping the budget balanced and without raising taxes. We pushed for
the restoration of $116 million specifically for classroom resources. When the
Republicans released their budget, House Democrats tried to incorporate our
proposals. They ignored our plan for what seems like purely ideological reasons
and protected the status quo of growing classroom sizes and using out-of-date
textbooks and technology for our students.
So the Republicans’ second step for education
funding is not a step forward.
House Democrats also worked to stop Republicans from making
it more difficult for districts to build new schools, which would likely result
in more crowded classrooms. At the same time, we budgeted an additional $50
million for state universities to stop the rising cost of tuition. And we tried
to prevent Republicans from spending $5 million on Koch brother propaganda
centers, called “economic freedom schools,” especially because the founding
director of one of these centers has stated he wants to “get
rid of public schools.” The Legislature should not spend tax dollars to
advocate for the privatization of public schools when the Arizona Constitution
mandates that the Legislature should provide for the maintenance of public
schools and that universities should be as “nearly free” as possible.
In addition to fighting for our public schools, Democrats
wanted to strengthen our communities by restoring resources and preventative
services to keep families out of crisis and out of the Department of Child
Safety system. We wanted to restore child care subsidies for low-income, working
families and the 24-month cap on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
program, which helps Arizona’s neediest families put food on the table. Most
states offer this program for up to five
years but currently, in Arizona families are kicked can only receive help
for 12 months.
Democrats also stood up for KidsCare, which would provide
health insurance for the more than 30,000 Arizona kids and would put about $75
million into the economy. But Republicans rejected this effort; some even avoided
the vote on the issue all together.
Our budget is a statement of priorities. And once again,
the Republicans have indicated that they prioritize private prisons, which are
getting a shot at a contract for an additional 1,000 beds, and tax cuts for
wealthy special interests over our communities, our students and our future.
There is a better way forward, and Arizona House Democrats will continue to
reform, restore and reinvest in the priorities that will strengthen our state.
#DemsLead
