Tucson Standard

Using the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, Arizona Senator Justine Wadsack voiced her endorsement of school choice within the state. Wadsack extended an invitation for a meeting with Governor Hobbs, a consistent critic of the program, to engage in discussions about school choice.

"During yesterday’s signing ceremony, Gov. Hobbs thanked me for my bipartisan work, something we need more of, and I agree," Wadsack said. "Let’s start with 'School Choice.' So, after we shook hands, I told her that ESA is not to be dismantled on my watch, and then I asked her for a meeting to discuss ESA… and she said 'O.K.'"

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has displayed a lack of support for school choice within the state, stating funding should go towards public schools. She has gone so far as to pledge the repeal of the comprehensive school choice bill passed in July 2022, which extended access to Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to all. The expansion of the program last year marked the most significant one in the United States. It allocated $7,000 to each child who chooses alternatives to public schools, such as private school tuition, homeschooling, or other options, according to Reason.

ESAs were initially introduced in the state back in 2011, but only 23% of students met the qualifying criteria at that time. These criteria included students with disabilities, those attending failing public schools, and wards of the court, among others, according to Reason.

"Hey Arizona - check this out! If you’re a parent, policy leader, elected official, and everything in between, take note," said Jenny Clark in a post on platform X, founder of Arizona School Choice Organization 'Love Your School'. "ESA approval in Arizona is popular across party lines. Maybe @GovernorHobbs will get a clue! Families want choices!" Clark's post featured a recent poll indicating that a majority of Arizonans support Education Savings Accounts (ESA), regardless of their party affiliation.

The recent survey commissioned by the yes. every kid. foundation., an advocacy group promoting educational freedom, revealed that 63% of Arizona voters support school choice. Among these, 78% of Republicans and 61% of Independents expressed support, while even among Democrats, 48% were in favor of school choice. The poll also indicated that 78% of parents are supportive of the program. However, Governor Katie Hobbs finds herself with limited support within the state, as only 34% of voters approve of her, according to yes. every kid. foundation.