Arizona GOP links teacher pay raises to school voucher protections

Arizona Republicans are proposing to tie a $4,000 across-the-board teacher pay raise to a constitutional amendment protecting private school vouchers, known as Empowerment Scholarship Accounts. Rep. Matt Gress, chair of the House Education Committee, argues that such protection is necessary due to ongoing attempts by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs to limit or eliminate school choice programs. GOP legislators contend that courts have affirmed the legality of vouchers and want to ensure the program continues without interference. However, Gov. Hobbs and Democratic leaders strongly oppose the proposal, calling it a partisan maneuver that threatens public education funding and teacher pay raises. Education advocates have also criticized restrictions in the plan, arguing that it neglects other school needs like facilities maintenance. The standoff highlights a deep partisan divide over the future of education policy in Arizona.