Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1472992
AT THE CAPITOL SUMMER 2022 | ADVOCATE 5 AEA Voices Heard at Capitol Historic Bi-partisan Budget Passed with $1 Billion in Increased Education Funding A t the end of June, near the state's scal year deadline, the Arizona Legislature passed and the governor signed a bi- partisan budget that invests over $1 billion in our public schools. "It is encouraging to see parts of the Educators' Budget included in this historic bi-partisan budget that was passed this morning," said AEA President-elect Marisol Garcia. " is money will have a signi cant impact for educators, their students, and their families. Today is a victory for public schools in Arizona." Lawmakers had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support Arizona educators and students with a $5.3 billion surplus. In May, the Arizona Education Association proposed the Educators' Budget, calling for $1.2 billion to be invested in our public schools. "Let's be clear, that we had to ght for every dollar in this budget that started with us asking for $505 million and getting $525 million added to the base level. AEA members took time from their summer break to sit in day-long committee meetings and we stayed at the Capitol all through the night to ensure our students got the funding they deserved." All throughout the legislative session, from January until June, AEA members advocated for more funding and resources for our students. ousands of members Jessica Kitterman, ELL Interventionist at Puente DeHozho ELL Interventionist Jessica Kitterman addresses education supporters in Flagsta .