Many have criticized Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s position that the state can fund education without additional revenue. It’s not just Democrats and educators who disagree with him.
Ducey is also increasingly at odds with those who otherwise might be considered allies.
According to Capitol Media Services, it starts with the future of a 0.6 percent sales tax approved by voters in 2000 to fund education. Without action, it will expire in 2021.
Ducey said he doesn't want any action on it this year. House Minority Leader Rebecca Rios strongly disagrees.
"We recognize that there is an incredibly critical funding stream that is going to end and yet there’s no discussion," Rios said. "I think that is incredibly irresponsible of us because at the end of the day, the fact remains that even if and when Prop 301 is renewed, that's $600 million of annual education funding. But that does absolutely nothing to change the status quo."
The governor said he supports simply asking voters to extend it, insisting it could be reformed in a way to generate more dollars.
