Grand Canyon Times

Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) in Arizona have become a focal point of debate regarding educational funding and taxpayer savings. The controversy arises amid claims from Governor Katie Hobbs, Democrats, and teacher unions that the state's budget shortfall is tied to the expansion of the school choice program.

According to Senator Janae Shamp (R-29), these claims are unfounded. She argues that the ESAs actually save taxpayers money. "Expanding the ESA program did not create this funding gap," said Shamp. She further explained that "overall spending in the K-12 school budget, which includes all ESA funding, is lower than projections." Shamp highlighted that ESAs cost an average of $7,500 per student compared to over $14,000 for public school students.

Senator Shamp criticized what she described as misinformation propagated by opponents of school choice. "Taxpayers actually save money for each child who leaves a public school and enters the ESA program," she stated. Shamp expressed frustration at what she sees as continued attacks on ESA families in Arizona.

Shamp emphasized that nearly 75,000 families benefit from using their own tax dollars for preferred learning environments. She described school choice as both a parental authority and a civil right.

For further information on this topic, contact Kim Quintero, Director of Communications at the Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus via email at kquintero@azleg.gov.