By Kiera Riley | State Affairs
Superintendent Tom Horne stuck to his guns in maintaining a low misspending rate in the Empowerment Scholarship Account program amid the attorney general’s public monies investigation.
In January, Nathan Arrowsmith, deputy chief counsel for the Solicitor General’s Office, asked for additional information and corrective action from the Arizona Department of Education to ensure robust auditing and oversight of the program.
Horne started his response by noting he and the Attorney General’s Office are in “total agreement” on ensuring public monies are spent appropriately.
As far as vetting improper purchases, Horne said the department has been using artificial intelligence since late 2025.
