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Who’s for Kids and Who’s Just Kidding

Check out this year's scorecard

Arizona legislators had a unique opportunity this legislative session. The pandemic did not result in the $1 billion deficit that was expected. Instead, analysts projected there was more than $1.5 billion in ongoing, unobligated revenues plus nearly $3 billion in one-time cash. These funds could have been used to invest in Arizona’s future. From public schools to health care to affordable housing, many opportunities existed to make improvements that would have long-lasting impacts on our state. Instead, the legislature squandered this opportunity and passed record-breaking tax cuts. As a result, the cuts will have a devastating impact on Arizona’s future by taking away revenue that future legislatures and Governors could use to make the types of investments in our children and families that enable all Arizona communities to thrive.

Not all legislators voted for these bad policies. There were some bright spots this legislative session when most lawmakers came together to pass legislation that will make a positive difference in the lives of Arizona children. Our legislative scorecard is a resource, to provide a glimpse at some of the key legislation introduced this year impacting children and how Arizona legislators voted on those bills. All legislators like to claim they are champions of children at the State Capitol. That is why we provide a scorecard to help you decipher who is for kids and who is just kidding.

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Huge Win for AZ Child Care System-DES Provider Rate Adjustments!

On Friday, March 24th, the Department of Economic Security (DES) shared a message with early childhood educators throughout Arizona announcing new, exciting updates for the early childhood system statewide.  These improvements are important to continue to strengthen Arizona’s early childhood system….

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The Bills That Got Away

Every year, Arizona Legislators introduce hundreds of bills, and very few of them go through the entire process to end on the Governor’s Desk for a signature. And each year, many bills never get a hearing at all. There are many good proposals to help children and families in Arizona thrive that deserve…

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The Countdown Begins - AZ Students Need a Permanent Fix to the School Spending Limit

Arizona voters approved into law a limit on what public schools can spend in a year based on the needs in 1980. If schools exceed the limit in a school year, as they did last year and again this year, the law allows the legislature to provide an “expenditure override” to allow districts to spend…