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PUSH FOR FUNDING She congratulated members of school organizations for
continuing to serve students despite funding issues. “We would be
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 remiss if we didn’t recognize that,” Carter said to a rousing round

Alston said school funding issues keep her awake at night. of applause.”
She rejected the argument that too much money goes into A er about an hour of lively discussion, Welch asked the
administration instead of the classroom. e emphasis should be on lawmakers for their closing thoughts.
who is supporting our children so they can learn. “Support services If schools don’t have the funding for technology, Alston said,
are important,” she said. “We’re in trouble.” She recommended “getting rid of all those tax
Welch asked about a lawsuit led by several school districts and credits.”
education groups earlier this year alleging the state shorted schools Carter urged school groups: “Stay united or nothing will get
for capital projects, including school maintenance, buses and done. We’re lobbying you. Focus on a couple of ideas so we can get
technology. School budget o cials have estimated the cuts since more dollars into the classroom next year.”
2009 total about $2 billion. Bolding recommended focusing on capital projects, like
Brophy McGee responded rmly: “I support restoring the cuts.” technology in the classroom.
Quezada said the walls are crumbling down in a Glendale school. Quezada cautioned school o cials to look at the bigger picture,
It was so dangerous students were moved to other Glendale schools, the systemic change taking place in public education. “Look at what’s
he said. Without mentioning names, Quezada said some people happening – a systemic attack on our children and our schools.
“put the safety of children lower than a lot of other things.” As an Don’t be cautious to lobby legislators. You are elected o cials, too.
example, he cited millions of dollars in corporate tax cuts. You have power. Hold us accountable.”
Bolding said he supports equitable funding, and not a sales tax Brophy McGee noted how coalitions expanded Medicaid and
increase. He suggested looking at loopholes in the tax code. In order challenged a law to expand the Empowerment Scholarship Account
to raise additional revenue, Bolding suggested, “Look outside the program. Her message to school organizations is to pull together, to
box. Don’t look at the low hanging fruit.” nd a way to work together to build a bipartisan coalition that will
Carter said the challenge to increasing revenue is a constitutional work toward continued funding of Prop. 301.
requirement that for the Legislature to increase taxes it takes a two- Looking ahead, Bradley said that if a er the 2018 election
thirds vote in each chamber. “I don’t see any changes,” she said. Arizona has the same cast of characters at the Legislature and the
“ at’s the reality.” same governor, who is to blame? “It’s in your hands.” Bradley said.

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