The Arizona Legislature has spent the last three weeks battling over next year’s $9 billion-plus budget and before that was immersed in a heated national debate over religious freedoms and gay rights. But many other issues remain on the Legislature’s plate. Here are some of the most pertinent issues facing the state Legislature. Here they are as reported by AP:
SCHOOL VOUCHERS: Republican legislators are eager to expand a state program that allows students to use public funds for a private education. The controversial voucher program, which began in 2011 and was designed for students with learning disabilities, is facing yet another expansion. A bill by Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria, would expand the program to students in schools that have a large low-income population and qualify for extra federal aid. Opponents say House Bill 2291 would allow about 73 percent of Arizona students to enroll in the program and siphon money from public schools. Debate on that bill has been stalled numerous times.
