skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Friday, March 29, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Education Budget Debate Colored by Lawmakers Serving on School Boards

play audio
Play

Friday, April 17, 2009   

Phoenix, AZ – As the legislature struggles to close a $3-billion budget gap, seven state representatives are juggling sometimes-conflicting responsibilities; each serves both as a lawmaker and as an unpaid member of a local school board. One of them, Rep. Tom Boone (R-Peoria), defends his dual role, saying his position as school board member is an advantage for someone tasked with making funding decisions about state education.

"I believe it absolutely gives you a great perspective because you understand more of what’s going on in public education, particularly in your own district."

Rep. Boone voted to cut $121 million from K-12 schools earlier this year, and says he will support more cuts, if necessary, to meet the constitutional requirement of a balanced budget. Roughly half of Arizona’s state spending goes for primary and secondary education, he adds.

"K-12 education is going to have to have some reductions and, hopefully, we can do those in such a way that it will not damage K-12. I won’t vote for a budget unless I believe that it will not do any permanent harm."

But, public education advocates say those responsible for overseeing school districts need to realize the harm that's caused by slashing support at the state level. They include John Wright, president of the Arizona Education Association<.em>, the state's largest teacher's union. Wright believes the recent layoffs of at least 5,000 Arizona public school teachers has already caused significant damage.

"What’s baffling to me is when someone who has to vote on a budget for a school district goes down to the legislature and then votes to cut the money available to school districts."

While federal stimulus money could save some teaching jobs this year, Wright believes the debate over education funding needs to move beyond simply cutting the budget.

"We do not have a revenue structure that’s sustainable over time. We do not have responsible means of generating the income necessary to fund schools, social services, transportation and health care."

For starters, Wright would like to see tax credits for public and private school donations ended or suspended, and a statewide school property tax retained.





get more stories like this via email

more stories
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

play sound

Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…


Social Issues

play sound

Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …

Social Issues

play sound

Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …


A 2022 report finds failing to speed up transmission beyond the current pace will increase 2030 U.S. greenhouse-gas emissions by 800 million tons per year. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …

Health and Wellness

play sound

A recent report examined how some rural Tennessee hospitals have managed to stay afloat despite financial challenges. The report includes interviews …

Many factors affect a customer's bill amount, including energy usage, weather, and the number of days in a billing period, according to Arizona Public Service. (Jason Yoder/Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …

Social Issues

play sound

Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

Health and Wellness

play sound

Medicare and Medicaid are key sources of health coverage for many Americans and some people qualify for assistance under both programs. With lagging …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021