Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/208500
L to R: AEA Organizational Consultant Doug Kilgore, Sarah Michelson, and AEA Executive Director Sheryl Mathis drop off petition signatures at the Arizona Secretary of State's office. reducing voter choice. For example, the number of signatures required for Libertarian candidates would increase by 4,000 percent. •HB2305 makes it more difficult for Arizona citizens to engage in direct democracy or overturn bad laws passed by the Legislature through citizen initiatives. By instituting a host of minor technical barriers – including the margin size on petitions – that can be challenged in court, politicians are trying to take away an important right that's been part of Arizona's constitution since statehood. Petition circulators began working in July to gather the required signatures. If qualified, HB2305 will be put on hold until voters have their say in November of 2014. Supporters AT THE CAPITOL of the referendum effort will be encouraging Arizona voters to vote "no." Many AEA members worked with coalition partners over the summer to gather the required signatures. "Your AEA membership adds your voice to thousands of educators' voices across the state—educators who believe in public education and in fairness, equity, and respect for all," says AEA President Andrew F. Morrill. "I want you to know that AEA members have again acted on that core value. Thank you to all who contributed for their hard work and commitment to fairness and equality. Turning in these signatures is a great victory for voters' rights in Arizona!" 2 Arizona Supreme Court Says Legislature Must Fund Education Inflation Factor AEA Wins Education Funding Lawsuit Another victory for public education in Arizona! On September 26, 2013, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled to uphold the will of Arizona voters and require the Arizona Legislature to fully fund the base level of education funding to ensure our students and public schools have the resources they need in order to be successful. "Today's ruling is a victory for Arizona's students, public schools, and ultimately, Arizona's citizens," says AEA President Andrew Winter.13advo.indd 7 F. Morrill. "It sends a clear message to state legislators that the will of the people must be upheld and the people want to support public education." AEA is part of a coalition of education groups that challenged the legislature's willful refusal to increase the base level of education funding for inflation in both the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 budgets, despite the clear intent of the voter-approved Proposition 301. Continued on next page AEA Advocate x Winter 2013/14 7 11/4/13 3:23 PM