PHX Reporter

Both State Sen. Shawnna Bolick (R-AZ-2) and State Rep. Matt Gress (R-AZ-4) said that Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) and Democrats will work to end the state's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program if they gain majorities in the November elections.

"If Gov. Hobbs gets her hand-picked candidate to fill this seat, ESAs are not the only school choice program the Democrats want to roll back or shutdown," Bolick told PHX Reporter, referring to her election opponent, as Republicans hold a one-seat majority in the State Senate.

Republicans also hold a one-seat majority in the State House, and Gress told PHX Reporter that "Democrats have run on the platform to rip out ESAs and school choice by root and branch if they take control of the Legislature."

"I think that would be a huge mistake and is counter to the educational freedom that parents and families want," said Gress. 

ESAs provide funding for underprivileged students to have equal access to educational opportunities. According to the Arizona Department of Education, 75,573 students currently benefit from the ESA Program.

"I’m a strong supporter of letting parents be in the driver’s seat when it comes to their child’s education," said Gress, a former public school teacher. "That includes the ESA program."

"Whether a student attends a district, charter, or private school option, the state has a fundamental responsibility to invest in the education of EVERY student as directed by their parent," said Gress. "That’s called a universal education."

The ESA program has faced criticism from Democratic lawmakers, with Gov. Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes, both Democrats, leading the charge against it. 

Hobbs' previously attempted to defund the program in the state’s 2023 budget. At the time she stated that ESAs "will likely bankrupt the state" and that her proposed budget "truly invests in public schools."

However, Hobbs was unsuccessful in her attempt to remove the program’s funding which posted a surplus that year.  

Also, in 2022-2023, despite increased ESA enrollment, Arizona posted a $2 billion budget surplus. 

From 2023-2024, while ESA awards surpassed projections to 75,000 students, public school enrollment declines led to an overall education budget savings amounting to $93 million, resulting in a net positive for education funding.

Earlier this month, State Sen. Janae Shamp (R-Surprise) told Grand Canyon Times that eliminating the ESA program would have serious repercussions for Arizona’s most vulnerable students. 

“Arizona's Democrat governor, Democrat attorney general, and Democrat legislators have all made it their top priority to end the ESA program," said Shamp. "Ending School Choice would be devastating to our state's children, especially for those living in low-income areas as well as for children with disabilities."

The Nov. 5 election could seal the fate of ESAs if Democrats win control of the legislature, where Republicans currently hold the majority by only two seats.  

“Having a Republican-controlled Legislature is the only reason we've been able to keep the program going. In order to protect parents' rights to their children's education, Republicans must maintain the majority," said Shamp.

Shamp questioned the motives of her Democratic counterparts and called for unity among Republicans to safeguard what she views as essential rights for Arizona families.

“Democrats do not support school choice,” she said. “Why exactly? I don't know the answer to that. I'm not sure why they are so adamant that the government should raise our children and have full control over their education. Democrats also believe in throwing tax dollars at failing systems, instead of empowering parents to use their tax dollars on the educational settings that meet their children’s unique needs and allow them to excel.”

In a press release from Hobbs this year, Democrat legislative leaders expressed support for the Governor's plan to increase transparency and accountability within the ESA program.  

"The Republican expansion of government to universal ESA vouchers has put our state’s financial security at risk, and our students at risk without any safeguards. We included the work that Democrats have done for years in developing this plan with Gov. Hobbs," said Senate Democratic Leader Mitzi Epstien.   

However, detailed invoices are already required for expenses such as tuition, tutoring and educational therapies. 

In an article by AZ Free News, Republicans shared their sentiments countering Hobbs’ proposals. 

Senator Jake Hoffman said in a post on X: “Let’s be very clear… Katie’s half cocked attempt to destroy an invaluable parental choice option via ‘death by a thousand cuts’ is DOA at the Capitol. The Arizona Freedom Caucus will make sure of it.” 

Representative Jacqueline Parker added, “Nothing lacks more accountability & transparency than the government school system. ESA’s are an extremely successful & equalizing solution, so of course democrats want to mess it up.”