In a move that could significantly bolster educational funding in Arizona, State Schools Chief Tom Horne is pressing Governor Katie Hobbs to get the state on board with a federal school tax credit that promises to pump more dollars directly into classrooms.
Horne's pitch, embracing pragmatism over pageantry, argues the tax credit is an equal-opportunity benefactor; indeed, public district schools, charter institutions, and basically any educational setting stand to gain, Horne contends, “Governor Hobbs has a very simple choice to make by having the state opt-in to the new federal school tax credit that can be used by any taxpayer in the state. It benefits students in public district schools, charters and every other school setting. Therefore, there is no logical reason to oppose this,” AZEd reported.
Under the proposed tax credit, a generous heave offered by the feds, Arizona taxpayers could contribute up to $1,700 annually to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which in turn would help cover an array of school-related costs. Eligible payouts from this fund can cover a variety of educational expenses, such as textbooks, special needs facilities, or even transportation to keep the wheels of learning turning smoothly.
Horne concluded by underscoring the simplicity of the proposition and the stark consequences of inaction, saying, “All the governor needs to do is approve a list of scholarship organizations and submit the list to the federal government by the end of the calendar year. Failure to do so means that other states will be able to take advantage of federal tax dollars paid by Arizonans, but Arizonans will be left out. That is an avoidable tragedy, and I urge the governor to take this common-sense step toward raising more money for all Arizona students,” AZEd reported.
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