Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/389203
AEA Advocate x Special Election Edition 2014 11 AT THE CAPITOL Isaac District EA member Marisol Garcia and Tucson EA member Art Almquist spoke at the event about the impact education budget cuts have meant to their students. education, he understands that reinvesting in our schools must be priority number one and that we must rebuild support for our classroom teachers. Our students cannot afford another four years of the 'cut schools first' mentality from Gov. Brewer and our legislature. While heading the Board of Regents, DuVal resisted the call to close down campuses. He is credited, as chairman, with helping ensure that financial aid increased faster than the rate of inflation and delivering the first zero tuition increase in Arizona history. DuVal challenged his Republican opponents recently to join him in calling for the immediate implementation of a judge's order to add more than $300 million to Arizona's schools. Thomas Oviatt, an education support professional at a Glendale high school, has studied the gubernatorial candidates' records and proposals and likes what DuVal has to say about public education. Oviatt, who was in attendance when DuVal laid out his education plan, said," DuVal is dedicated to fully funding public education. He knows that Arizona was hit harder than most states in education cuts, and he is committed to restoring those funds for the future of Arizona kids. He believes in public education and opportunities for all students, no matter what their residency issues." Oviatt's mention of "residency issues" refers to DuVal's outspoken support of DREAMers, children and young adults who were brought to this country at a young age and have been raised and educated in the United States. Said DuVal this spring in response to Gov. Brewer's order banning thousands of young adults who have temporary legal status from obtaining Arizona driver's licenses, "These kids are talented, bright, and they were brought to this country as children through no fault of their own. Now, they're looking for opportunity — the opportunity to get a job, go to college and contribute to their community. Shame on Governor Brewer for denying them that opportunity." 2 Fred DuVal speaks with students