Get Tuned In

This fact sheet was originally compiled and published by the Arizona Education Network.

What are the specifics of Proposition 100? Proposition 100 proposes a 1% increase in the Arizona state sales tax. Two-thirds of the revenues generated would fund education and the other one-third would fund health and human services and public safety. The sales tax would automatically repeal on May 31, 2013. .

Will it really repeal automatically? Yes, it will repeal on May 31, 2013. It would take a two-thirds vote of the legislature or another voter proposition to keep the tax increase in place.

Why didn’t the legislature just pass the sales tax increase? Governor Brewer asked legislators to pass it, but it failed. In Arizona it takes a two-thirds vote to raise revenues, and there are 31 legislators who have signed an oath to Washington special interest lobbyist Grover Norquist, promising to never raise taxes in Arizona–no matter what the situation.

What is the state of education funding now? Arizona per-pupil funding is currently among the lowest in the nation. In addition, Arizona schools have already absorbed several rounds of cuts in 2009. Due to these cuts, Arizona schools are experiencing increased class sizes; cuts to extra-curricular activities and athletics; and the loss of PE, music, librarians, books, and even paper.

What happens to education funding if Proposition 100 does not pass? If the temporary 1% sales tax does not pass, as much as one-quarter of all public education funding could be cut! This could mean 1.5 to 2 out of every 10 teacher positions may be eliminated.

Will there be additional cuts to public schools even if Prop 100 passes? YES. Even if Proposition 100 passes, the revenue raised is not enough to close the budget gap. Additional proposed cuts to education include:

• Reduction of state funding per-student from current levels to FY2005-06 funding levels.
• Elimination of state funding for Gifted Programs, Teacher Training, Adult Education and GED, and the Early Education Block Grant.
• The elimination of the Full-Day Kindergarten funding ($218 million)
• Reduced funding for Charter Schools ($10 million)
• No funding for regular School Building and Maintenance. Only $5 million for emergency maintenance state-wide.
• Reduction of support for Community Colleges and Universities to FY 2005-06 levels. Per-pupil support would drop for universities from $9,480 to $7,100 per student.

FYI:

1. The last day to register to vote is April 19, 2010.
2. Early voting begins on April 22, 2010.
3. The last day to request an early ballot is May 7, 2010.
4. ELECTION DAY is May 18, 2010.