Scope
Updated periodically, postings found on this page are to provide the most clear, concise and factual information on the state of Arizona’s economic effects on our education system and the potential impact on our state’s school music programs.
April 16, 2010
Prop 100 Info Handouts: Download and share Proposition 100 Information Guide outlining ballot language, voting timeline and how to acquire an early ballot.
March 19, 2010
On March 18, Governor Brewer signed the FY 2011 Budget bills into law. Several educational programs have been reduced or eliminated in next year’s budget, including the ending of state funding for All-Day Kindergarten, and the loss of Dropout Prevention dollars. “General” state funding for education remains unchanged from this year (2009-2010), funding the same overall amount as in FY 2006. This allows the state to maintain its federal stimulus dollars for education.
The “general” state funds for education remain unchanged ONLY IF Proposition 100 – the temporary 1% sales tax increase – passes in the May election. If the sales tax increase fails, an additional 12% cut may be made to the “general” state funds for education.
While arts and music education programs are mainly supported at the state level through that “general” pot of funds, the “general” education funds will be placed under enormous strain as schools and districts attempt to keep programs in tact which they feel benefit their students. These were the programs which were once funded by the “discretionary” education funds from the state – and those funds are now gone. Remaining an active and involved advocate, and helping your parents be effective advocates, is vital as governing boards wrestle with the choices facing them. As one board member I know stated, “there are no good choices left.”
For more in-depth information on the budget, you may wish to visit the links below:
FY 2011 Budget information from Joint Legislative Budget Committee
Governor’s statement on signing the FY2011 Budget bills on March 18, 2010
February 1, 2010
As part of the 2010 Arizona Arts Congress, arts and arts education advocates met with Rep. John Kavanagh, R – Scottsdale/Fountain Hills, and Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. REp. Kavanagh state the he believes the Governor’s budget will stand on the House side, provided that we do get the sales tax increase on the ballot and passed, and that some of the voter protected initiatives are “loosened” so the legislature can reduce “protected line items,” in this case referring to the AHCCCS rolls (Medicaid). This is potentially good news for Arizona school districts, as additional cuts to education are not prominent in the Governor’s budget, in order to keep us at the FY 2006 education funding levels to insure our federal funds (stimulus, Title 1, IDEA, etc.). As noted above, however, Rep. Kavanagh included several large “IFs” in his presentation; not the least of which is getting a sales tax increased passed by the voters. If the “IFs” don’t occur, Rep. Kavanagh warned of a “budget armageddon” that would seriously harm Arizona’s education, transportation and safety infrastructures.
Cick here to view the Governor’s proposed budget!
December 29, 2009
The budgetary ramifications of the Arizona State Legislature is currently status quo. It is predicted that plans could include up to a 15% to 20% cut to the state’s education system. This does not imply a 15% cut to an entire district/school budget, but instead a reduction in the financial allocation from the state – of course, the largest share of any district/school budget.
The information and data included on the Arizona Music Educators Association’s advocacy website has been compiled by AMEA member volunteers from a variety of sources, and are subject to change without notice. AMEA makes no warranties or presentations whatsoever regarding the quality, content, completeness or adequacy of such information and data. The Arizona Music Educators Association shall not be liable for any special, incidental or consequential damages, including, without limitation, lost revenues or lost profits, resulting from the use or misuse of the information contained in this website. Please forward questions or comments to AMEA Advocacy Webmaster.
