Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs’ actions against school choice vouchers have put her in the spotlight once more, as she declared the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) expansion invalid and in violation of federal law and the State Constitution. Critics argue that her blatant disregard for the program obstructs low-income and minority students from escaping failing public schools.
The expansion of the ESA program, which gives every family in Arizona freedom to choose their child’s school, aims to prioritize students and parents, rather than forcing them into a failing public school system. However, Hobbs has consistently endeavored to prevent the program from taking effect, first by halting the program and slow-walking the signature counting process, and now through her denouncement of ESA as “illegal and invalid.”
Hobbs’ proposed budget also includes $40 million for illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition rates and calls for a complete repeal of the ESA voucher expansion. Her recent actions have been met with criticism from several sources, with some accusing her of targeting minority children and being lawless and heartless.
As part of the conference, Governor Hobbs falsely claimed the ESA program is “out of control” and has the potential to bankrupt Arizona. She reaffirmed her commitment to finding every possible option to end the program before the end of this fiscal year, while also avoiding questions about her allegedly stolen election.
In conclusion, Hobbs’ attempts to dismantle the ESA expansion is seen as a direct attack on school choice and families, and an indication of her commitment to her own political interests, rather than ensuring the optimal education for all students in Arizona. It remains to be seen whether her efforts to suppress school choice will ultimately prevail or if families and students will rise above these political ploys.
