Arizona Education Association

Fall 2013

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AT THE CAPITOL AT THE CAPITOL AT THE CAPITOL AT THE CAPITOL AT THE CAPITOL AT THE CAPITOL AT THE CAPITOL AT THE CAPITOL AT THE CAPITOL AT THE CAPITOL AT THE CAPITOL AT THE CAPITOL AT THE CAPITOL AT THE CAPITOL AT THE CAPITOL AT THE CAPITOL AT THE CAPITOL AT THE CAPITOL Fall.13advo.indd 6 2013 Arizona Education Budget Summary Thanks to a bipartisan coalition of state legislators, who stood together as a voting block in both chambers, a fair state budget passed out of the Arizona Legislature when the session ended this past June. The budget, which includes Medicaid expansion, was signed by Governor Jan Brewer during the special session. The passage of this budget meant Arizona schools will see an increase in education funding for the first time since 2008. This victory is thanks to Arizona Education Association (AEA) and its members and the bravery of the bipartisan coalition in the state legislature that voted to pass this budget. The Senate coalition that passed the budget bills are the 13 Democrats joined by 5 Republicans (Rich Crandall, Adam Driggs, John McComish, Steve Pierce, and Bob Worsley). The coalition that passed the budget bills in the House are the 24 Democrats joined by 9 Republicans (Kate Brophy McGee, Heather Carter, Doug Coleman, Jeff Dial, Doris Goodale, Ethan Orr, Frank Pratt, Bob Robson, and T.J. Shope). All of these legislators deserve our deep gratitude. The original budget introduced in the Senate included a provision that would have permanently cut nearly $240 million annually from our schools. AEA was successful in amending this devastating cut out of the budget. In addition, the budget includes the inflation increase of $90 million. This action is due to AEA's victory in the Arizona Court of Appeals, challenging the legislature's refusal to fully fund the inflation factor for the past four legislative sessions. An adopted amendment keeps local flexibility in use of the inflation funding. This is a major victory for Arizona's public school students and schools and the result of many battles won in court and in elections. It is the result of your contact with your elected officials and your dedication to quality public education. We saw our efforts pay off, and our students are the true winners in all of this. Education Budget Summary Fiscal year 2013-2014 (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014) As passed by the Arizona Legislature on June 13, 2013 The Arizona Legislature approved a fiscal year 2013 – 2014 budget on June 13, 2013. The budget bills that impact K-12 education are: HB2001 – general appropriations bill & HB2003 – K-12 budget reconciliation bill. Both of these bills are from the First Special Session of the 51st Legislature. Inflation funding increase •Inflation increase of 1.8% to both base level and transportation component of education funding formula. Increases base level to $3,326.54 (currently $3,267.72 since school year 2009-2010). This is a $58.82 increase per student and amounts to a combined $90 million increase to school funding statewide. – The $3,326.54 is the amount without the teacher compensation increase. With the teacher compensation increase component, this amount is $3,368.02 for the 2013-2014 school year. School Bonding Level Increase •Allows, as permanent law, an increase in school district bonding capacity from 5% to 10% for elementary and union high school Continued on page 32 6 Fall 2013 x AEA Advocate 8/7/13 2:35 PM

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