The American Federation for Children announced on March 17 that it is supporting Fortify AZ in filing the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Reform and Accountability Act, a ballot initiative aimed at preserving the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program for more than 100,000 students.
According to Tommy Schultz, CEO of the American Federation for Children, “The teachers union initiative would gut school choice in Arizona for more than 100,000 kids; this pro-school choice initiative makes it durable for generations to come. Staying on the sidelines is not an option as one of America’s oldest school choice programs faces an existential threat – we are taking the fight to the unions’ turf and, more importantly, to the voters who are clearly on our side. We will do what it takes to bring this critical measure to the ballot.”
The organization said that its support comes amid concerns about a union-backed petition that could significantly reduce or eliminate access to the ESA program. The new measure is described as a response to voter demands for transparency and long-term stability in education options.
The American Federation for Children describes itself as the nation’s largest school choice advocacy organization and says it has helped pass over 200 school choice laws nationwide. The group also operates an affiliated Super PAC focused on electing education reform advocates at both state and federal levels.
More information about this announcement can be found on the official roster page.
