East Arizona News

Arizona Senator Shawnna Bolick vows to protect education savings accounts (ESAs) in Arizona following the Pima County Democratic Party's revealed plan to eliminate school choice, as indicated in a since-deleted post on the X platform.

"One of the reasons why folks finally convinced me to return to the Capitol: to put a check on Hobbs’ radical agenda to kill school choice. My entire family attended public schools by choice. I want to ensure all families keep their educational freedom. I am the top target in the Legislature by the Democrats both locally and nationally. We hear they have about $2 million to try to buy this seat.", said Shawnna LM Bolick.

"Let's make this a goal here in Arizona. Let's kill school choice-- send it to the grave," said the Pima County Democratic Party's post, which was shared by Arizona Senator Justine Wadsack before it was deleted. The organization was responding to breaking news that the state of Illinois had discontinued its school choice program, expressing their desire to do the same thing in Arizona, according to the X platform.

"Pima County Democratic Party just exposed their radical agenda against children & parents rights!" declared Wadsack in her post. "Democrats want to 'Kill School Choice' which forces children to attend failing D & F rated public schools." Wadsack went on describe state statistics, alleging that majority of public school students in state cannot perform at grade level in math or English, according to X platform.

Arizona continues lead as number 1 state for education choice country for second consecutive year and secures number 2 spot for overall education freedom. State fosters diverse learning environments, including private, charter, homeschooling, and district schools. Arizona provides ESAs for all grades, and provides accessibility for all families. ESA program in state has an enrollment of 70,000 students surpassing all other states, according Goldwater Institute.

The Arizona ESA program, introduced in 2011, initially had stringent criteria, covering just 23% of students. These criteria included students with disabilities, those in failing public schools, wards of the court, and similar categories. However, recent comprehensive school choice bill significantly broadened ESA access making it available to all students according to Kindled.

A survey commissioned by "yes. every kid. foundation" in Aug., showed that 63% of Arizona voters are in favor of school choice. 78% of Republicans and 61% of Independents express support, while among Democrats, 48% favor school choice. Survey also highlights that 78% parents support this program however Hobbs faces limited support within state with approval rating only 34%, according yes every kid foundation.