Parents, students and teachers used their day off on Presidents Day to tell Arizona lawmakers they oppose a controversial plan to expand school vouchers and want more time to comment on education funding in the state budget. Wochit
Arizona parents and teachers are taking action at the state Capitol to voice opposition – and support – over school voucher bills, the state budget and other policy decisions during this legislative season.
1. Calling and emailing their state lawmakers, as well as legislative leadership. Find your lawmaker at www.azleg.gov/findmylegislator/. Contact Sen. Steve Yarbrough, R-Chandler, who is in charge of the Senate at 602-926-5863 or email him at syarbrough@azleg.gov. Contact Rep. J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, who is in charge of the House at (602) 926-4481 or email him at jmesnard@azleg.gov.
2. Contacting Gov. Doug Ducey: A Republican, Ducey is involved in budget negotiations, and if bills reach his desk, he decides whether they will be signed into law, or will die: 602-542-4331 or email him at engage@az.gov.
3. Testifying at the state Capitol: Various bills are heard throughout the session and committee hearings are a good way to get your stance heard. The most-talked about legislation: Senate Bill 1431 and House Bill 2394, which would expand a school voucher-type program to all 1.1 million Arizona students, Senate Bill 1281, which would privatize financial oversight of the ESA program, SB 1174, which would require school districts that get $211 million in desegregation funding to gain approval from voters.
4. Contacting their school district’s governing board or superintendents, charter school or private school to see where they stand on the issues.
5. Reaching out to school associations, friends and others who feel similarly about the issues and join them in their efforts. Examples: Arizona School Boards Association, Goldwater Institute, Arizona Education Association, American Federation for Children, AZ Schools Now.
-Originally published by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, AZ Central on 2/21/17 at 12:05 pm