Key Points:
- School voucher reform plans aim to curb costs and provide accountability
- Critics argue the plans lack funding, violating a constitutional requirement
- State schools chief Tom Horne opposes both initiatives, citing lack of funding
Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program faces two competing reform plans to curb costs and provide accountability for the state’s $1 billion education initiative.
But it doesn’t provide any money to do so — and its critics say that could violate a state constitutional requirement that new spending must identify a funding source.
The promoters of Fortify AZ say there’s no need to add a new pot of money to make their proposals work. That’s because the changes would save the state money, not cost more, according to spokesman Barrett Marson.
The Fortify initiative was launched in response to a voucher plan backed by public school advocates and the state’s teacher union.
