Legislative Newsletter May 4, 2010

Arizona Education Network Newsletter Legislature Completes Session, Your Prop. 100 Questions Answered, Lemonade & More! Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Arizona Legislature Completes Session The Legislature completed its session late in the evening of April 29. First the good news. Several attempts to undo voter-protected programs failed. The first, SCR 1033, would have allowed the Legislature to divert funds from voter-approved programs and deposit them into the general fund. The second, HCR 2041, would have required every ballot measure (except Indian Gaming) to repeal after eight years. If the bills had passed, they would have undone Prop. 301, which helps fund teacher pay and other education programs. But not all voter-approved mandates emerged unscathed this year. On November 2, voters will be asked to rescind First Things First, a program that provides infants and toddlers with a solid foundation to succeed in school. In 2006, voters passed First Things First, approving a tobacco tax to pay for early childhood programs such as quality childcare, preventative healthcare and parenting classes. In March, the Legislature mustered the votes to pass HCR 2001, which would transfer the program's $325 million into the general fund for other uses. The Legislature rejected offers by early childhood advocates to loan the state money from the fund. To see how your legislators voted on HCR 2001, visit AEN's seventh special session summary. In the last push to the finish line, the Legislature passed several bills related to education funding and reform. AEN is reviewing those bills for an update in a later post.

Contribute online today via PayPal Or mail your check to: The Arizona Education Network 4728 East Sunrise Drive, #210 Tucson, AZ 85718 Thank you for your support! ______________________

Your Prop. 100 Questions Answered As we head into the home stretch for the Prop. 100 vote (the May 18 vote is only two weeks away) we want to keep you up to date. Last week, we published a list of commonly heard concerns about Prop. 100, with research-based responses. Here is a new concern and a clarification. Is it true that the one-cent temporary sales tax will cost the average Arizona family $400 a year? An Arizona family of four would have to spend $40,000 dollars a year on sales-taxable items for that to be the case. According to the US Census American Community Survey of State Median Income by Family Size in the past twelve months (2008 inflation adjusted dollars) the median income of a four-person Arizona family was $69,452. Considering that many expenses such as mortgages and services are exempt from sales tax, it is highly unlikely that the average Arizona family would pay anywhere near $400 more in sales taxes. Based on input from a reader, we are clarifying the answer to the following objection to Prop. 100 published last week. Why are some people saying Prop. 100 is really an 18% increase? The 18% refers to the increase in the current tax rate of 5.6% to the proposed rate of 6.6% (if Prop. 100 passes). That is a simple mathematical difference of 17.85%. By calling Prop. 100 an 18% increase, opponents have created the misperception that the increase is really 18 cents on the dollar. Prop. 100 is a one-percent sales tax increase or one-cent on each dollar spent-ONE PENNY! If you purchase a DVD player for one hundred dollars you would pay an additional one dollar, not an additional eighteen dollars. Related Articles: Proposition 100: The 1% Temporary Sales Tax Increase - Your Questions Answered (Updated 4/24/2010) Op Ed: Vote Yes on Prop. 100, the One-Cent-Sales-Tax Increase

100 Stands for Education: Turning Lemons into Lemonade A Tucson family came up with a fun and family-friendly way to turn "lemons into lemonade" to raise statewide awareness of the importance of K-12 education and promote Prop. 100. Join other Arizonans this Saturday, May 8, in setting up a Prop. 100 lemonade stand as part of "100 Stands for Education." Participants will hand out information about Prop. 100 and donate all proceeds to the public school of their choice. To register your lemonade stand and sign-up to receive Prop. 100 yard signs, stickers and materials to hand out go to http://www.100StandsForEducation.org/make-your-stand. Organizers are taking orders for T-shirts. Cost is $6 per shirt, with adult and child sizes available.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Debate The race for state Superintendent of Public Instruction is beginning to heat up. The person elected to replace the current superintendent, Tom Horne, will play a major role in critical decisions affecting public school funding and reform. A series of debates among the candidates will be held around the state. An upcoming debate, sponsored by the Arizona School Board Association, will take place Thursday, May 13, 2010 in Sedona at the West Sedona School, 570 Posse Grounds Road. A meet and greet reception begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the debate at 7 p.m. Candidates for Superintendent who will be participating in the debate: Margaret Dugan, www.margaretdugan.com Penny Kotterman, www.pennykotterman.com John Huppenthal, www.johnhuppenthal.com Jason Williams, www.williamsforarizona.com Dugan and Huppenthal, both Republicans, will run against each other in the August 24 primary. Kotterman and Williams will compete in the Democratic primary. Related Articles: Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction: Why You Should Pay Attention to This Office

AEN Fast Fact: I hear that the administrative costs for public school districts are exorbitantly high. Is this true? The 2009 Auditor General's Report on Classroom Spending released this March shows the average school district administrative cost is about 9 percent of each district's total budget. That's 1.8 percent BELOW the national average of 10.8 percent! For more information, check out Arizona Auditor General Report on Classroom Spending 2009: A Closer Look.

Early Voting Has Started Early voting for Prop. 100 is underway. If you received a ballot by mail, please remember to vote YES and send it back. You can also take your early ballot to any polling place on Election Day. You can request an early ballot be sent to your home until May 7. To find out how to request an early ballot, click here. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, May 18. Polling places will be limited since this is a special election. You may not be voting at your regular polling place. You also can vote early at several early voting locations. To find an early-voting location in your county or your polling place for the May 18 election, click here.

_________________________ It's National Teachers Appreciation Week! Check in with your school's parent organization for ideas and ways you and your child can get involved this week in showing support and appreciation for all our teachers do for our students.

_________________________ Keep Kids First and the Sahuarita Education Foundation Invite You to Show Your Support for Education "Education is NOT Just a Walk in the Park" A community event and walk Thursday, May 6, 4 - 6 p.m. Rancho Sahuarita South Lawn Contact Krojahn1@cox.net for more information.

________________________ Tucson Values Teachers Presents: "Toast to Tucson's Teachers" A family-friendly community block party toasting Tucson's K-12 teachers. Friday, May 7, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Downtown Tucson, on Toole Avenue between Maynard's and Hotel Congress The Tucson Symphony Orchestra will perform a free "Celebrate the Future" concert at the Concert Hall at 8 p.m. For more information and a free parking pass for teachers, click here.

_________________________   May 18, 2010 Special Election for Prop. 100 - Temporary 1% Sales Tax Prop. 100 Facts Without the temporary sales tax, more than $420 million in K-12 funding will be cut. Prop. 100 will devote two-thirds of revenues generated to education funding and one-third to health and human services and public safety. The tax will automatically repeal on May 31, 2013. It would take a two-thirds vote of the Legislature or another voter proposition to keep the tax increase in place. For more information see Prop. 100: The 1% Temporary Sales Tax Increase-Your Questions Answered Last Day to Request an Early Ballot is May 7, 2010 Arizona Education Network Voter Guide: Important Dates, Information, and Resources _________________________

Contact Arizona's U.S. Congressional Delegation and Urge them to Sponsor and Support the Keep Our Educators Working Act (S. 3206) The Education Commission of the States estimates that this federal legislation to save our schools could bring $406 million to Arizona K-12 and higher education. For details click here.

________________________ Three steps you can take to support public education in Arizona: Vote,Vote,Vote Vote YES on Prop. 100, the sales tax referendum, Tuesday, May 18. Vote for pro-education candidates in the primary election, Tuesday, August 24. Vote for pro-education candidates in the general election, Tuesday, November 2. Helpful Links: Arizona Education Network Voter Guide; Find your Legislator

AEN's Recent Legislative Update ~ March 1, 2010

Proposition 100: The 1% Temporary Sales Tax Increase-Your Questions Answered

The Arizona Legislature is asking voters to temporarily raise the sales tax by 1%, until May 31, 2013. To see the transmitted bill, click here. The election will take place on Tuesday, May 18, 2010. The following is information that will explain the proposition's potential impact.

What are the specifics of Proposition 100?

Proposition 100 proposes a 1% increase in the Arizona state sales tax. Two-thirds of the revenues generated would fund education and the other one-third would fund health and human services and public safety. The sales tax would automatically repeal on May 31, 2013.

Will it really repeal automatically?

Yes, it will repeal on May 31, 2013. It would take a two-thirds vote of the legislature or another voter proposition to keep the tax increase in place.

What happens to education funding if Proposition 100 does not pass?

If the temporary 1% sales tax does not pass, as much as one-quarter of all public education funding could be cut! This could mean 1.5 to 2 of out of every 10 teacher positions may be eliminated.

Will there be additional cuts to public schools even if Prop 100 passes?

YES. Even if Proposition 100 passes the revenue raised is not enough to close the budget gap. Additional cuts to education proposed includes:

• Reduction of state funding per-student from current levels to FY2005-06 funding levels.
• Elimination of state funding for Gifted Programs, Teacher Training, Adult Education and GED, and the Early Education Block Grant.
• The elimination of the Full-Day Kindergarten funding rate ($218 million)
• Reduced funding for Charter Schools ($10 million)
• No funding for regular School Building and Maintenance. Only $5 million for emergency maintenance state-wide.
• Reduction of support for Community Colleges and Universities to FY 2005-06 levels. Per-pupil support would drop for universities from $9,480 to $7,100 per student.

What can you do?

• Register to VOTE and apply to receive a permanent early ballot. Click here for links to your county board of elections.
• The last day to register to vote is April 19, 2010. Early voting begins on April 22, 2010; the last day to request an early ballot is May 7, 2010. 
• Talk to your family, friends and neighbors about Proposition 100 and its importance to the economic future of Arizona. 
• Print out this one page handout : What You Need to Know About Proposition 100-The Temporary 1% Sales Tax, pdf. 
• Stay informed: Sign up for our newsletter

To read the entire article click:

Proposition 100: The 1% Temporary Sales Tax Increase-Your Questions Answered


Arizona Education Network Pro Argument for Proposition 100

AEN submitted a pro statement in support of the passage of Proposition 100 - The temporary sales tax. To read the statement, click here.


Tell Us Your Stories: How are education cuts affecting you?

The Legislature has already cut Arizona public education funding with more cuts expected. We want to know how these cuts are affecting your student, their classroom and your school. Send us your stories, your videos, your view and we will post it on a new section of our web site. We will also be featuring individual stories in our newsletter. We want to hear your voice! Click here to send us your story.

To read stories submitted to AEN, click here.


Take care,

Ann-Eve, MaryLee and your AEN team


PS. Check us out at:

• http://www.arizonaeducationnetwork.com/

• Follow us on Twitter, AZEducationNet.

• Join us on Facebook!

AEN is a non-partisan, all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that exists to provide factual information and advocacy for public education.

AEN's Recent Legislative Update ~ February 19, 2009

Arizona Legislature Punts Decision on Funding for Education, Vital Services to Voters

On Tuesday, May 18, 2010 voters will decide whether to approve a temporary one-cent sales tax in a special election (the sales tax would repeal automatically on July 1, 2013). The revenue, generated over three years, would be apportioned between education and other vital services; two thirds of the proceeds would go toward education and the other third would fund health and human services and public safety.

The Legislature could have chosen to increase revenues rather than put this to voters, but in Arizona a two-thirds majority is required to raise any tax and the votes aren't there, thanks to the 31 legislators who have signed an oath to Washington special interest lobbyist Grover Norquist, promising to never raise taxes in Arizona - no matter what the situation.

Arizona Education Network is involved in a state wide discussion to support passage of the temporary sales tax to fund education. We will update you as soon as we know more.

To learn more see:
Arizona legislature punts decision on funding for education, vital services to voters

AZ Legislature Called into Sixth Special Session **Updated 2/12/10**

Public Education, The AZ Constitution & The No Tax Pledge!

In Budget Deficit, Legislators Want to Send Money to Private Schools

In another blow to fiscal responsibility, the House Ways and Means Committee voted to expand the private school tax credit program, tripling the amount of tax dollars that can be diverted from the general fund to private schools (HB 2664).

Already, $55 million a year is diverted from the general fund to support private schools.

The new limits would be $3,000 for a married couple, instead of $1,000, and $1,500 for an individual, up from $500. Remember that the public school tax credit limit is $400 per couple and $200 for an individual.

Legislators were supposed to be addressing the concerns raised by two separate newspaper investigations in 2009 that found numerous problems with Arizona's private school tax credit program, Rigged Privilege: An Investigation into Arizona's Private School Tuition and The Tuition Tax Credit: Tuition-aid benefits wealthy families, raises worry.

The House Ways and Means Committee also voted to extend the deadline for submitting tax credits to private schools to April 15 from the current Dec. 31 deadline. The tax-credit legislation now moves on to the full House.

To learn more see:
Legislators propose private schools tax credit increases while Governor proposes cutting funding to GED funding

Arizona's Private School Tuition Tax-Credit Program: How We Got Here and Where are We Going?

Researcher: Tax credits cost state millions


Tell Us Your Stories: How are education cuts affecting you?

The Legislature has already cut Arizona public education funding with more cuts expected. We want to know how these cuts are affecting your student, their classroom and your school. Send us your stories, your videos, your view and we will post it on a new section of our website. We will also be featuring individual stories in our newsletter. We want to hear your voice! Click here to send us your story


Take Action NOW!

• Call, write or email members of the House and tell them to vote against legislation expanding the private school tax credit program, go to: Legislator Contacts
• Write a letter to the editor and make your opinion known about state funding of education and/or the proposed expansion of the private school tax credit program.
     o Write a letter to the Arizona Daily Star
     o Write a letter to the Arizona Republic
• Forward this email to five friends, relatives, neighbors or colleagues and ask them to sign up to receive these updates. Education supporters can make a difference, but we must stay informed and take action.


Take care,
Ann-Eve, Melissa, MaryLee and your AEN team

PS. Check us out at:
• http://www.arizonaeducationnetwork.com/
• Follow us on Twitter, AZEducationNet
• Join us on Facebook!

AEN is a non-partisan, all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that exists to provide factual information and advocacy for public education.