Page 36 - The Edge - Back to School 2017

SPLIT WIDENS at large, but with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and
Industry.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 “Just because (Hamer) says there isn’t doesn’t mean that

More immediately, Ducey wants a “new Prop. 301.” there isn’t,” Essigs said. “ at could lead to a real pessimistic
at reality, shared by many, will only come through if the look, but I’m optimistic because I can see other people in the
business and education communities are on the same page, business community are looking at things di erently.”
Scarpinato said. Essigs pointed to groups like the Arizona Business and
“I don’t think one group can move this on their own,” he Education Coalition, as well as local business groups and
said. “And it’s critical, from the governor’s perspective, that chambers of commerce, as evidence there are some in the
there is something next on that because he didn’t ght so hard business community who support the goals of education
to resolve the lawsuit and pass Prop. 123 for us to then face a groups like his own.
funding cli .” He said people need to understand di erences of opinion
While not all parties will agree on every issue, what has to exist in the business community, and the path forward requires
happen next is clear – groups must recognize the achievements separating the Arizona Chamber of Commerce from the
that have been accomplished when “we partner,” and coalesce business community at large.
around policies that truly matter, Scarpinato said. As long as the state chamber ignores the true needs of
“We have every expectation it will [happen],” he said. “We schools and the perception that poorly funded schools creates,
really feel like we have a potential to come together again on the education community has no choice but to move forward
some big issues next session and moving forward.” without them, Essigs said.
But as Scarpinato recommends a unified front, some “At this point in time, our only choice is to work with and
suggest that parting ways with certain elements of the business corroborate with the business community that is supportive of
community, while cultivating collaboration with others, might public schools,” Essigs said. at would be business groups that,
be the most viable path for education advocates. he said, “seem to recognize the problem and realize that, if we
Essigs, who lobbies for school business o cials, said he’s want to move forward as a state, and really make some progress,
optimistic that business and education interests can work we’re going to have to address how to fund our schools.”
together in the future, adding he believes the schism isn’t so
much between education groups and the business community — Reporter Ben Giles contributed to this article

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