A group of parents and current and former students is taking the first steps to curb future tuition increases at state universities.
Political consultant Andy Barr said the measure, still in the crafting stages, would preclude the Arizona Board of Regents from annual increases that exceed inflation.
"Since 2009 we've seen in-state tuition go up 80 percent. With the latest round of cuts, no matter what the universities try to do, we see every time the Legislature cuts the universities they're put in a position they have to raise tuition again," Barr said.
But Barr conceded that a tuition cap by itself would be counterproductive if universities could not make up for the cuts lawmakers impose. The initiative would include a funding mechanism, perhaps a sales tax, that would kick in — but only if lawmakers shorted the schools.
Barr said that way residents would know exactly who to blame, especially as lawmakers continue to approve tax cuts for business.
"So we're trying to create a mechanism so when the Legislature wants to find another way to finance one of their tax cuts, or whatever, it's not students who end up picking up the bill," said Barr.
Regents Chairman Mark Killian said given the history of legislative funding — including a $99 million cut for the coming year — a ballot measure may be appropriate.
But Killian said he was not familiar with this proposal or even this group and said what ultimately emerges should be coordinated with the board.