To The Editor:
Ms. Winstryg and Mr. Newton were remiss by not acknowledging #InvestInEd in their op-ed “After Red for Ed, What’s Next?”
On July 5, 2018, it was widely reported that the Invest In Education campaign turned in 270,000 signatures to get their education funding initiative on the ballot in November, nearly twice the valid signatures needed.
The proposed ballot measure would bring in $690 million in funding for public schools by nearly doubling income tax rates on Arizona’s highest earners. Specifically, the measure would raise income tax rates by 3.46% on individuals who earn more than $250,000 or households that earn more than $500,000, and by 4.46% on individuals who earn more than $500,000 or households that earn more than $1 million.
Voters will have a chance in November to ensure a dedicated funding source to support Arizona public schools, since our state leaders’ continued evisceration of school funding has resulted in the crisis conditions of today. Our very own representatives from LD 14 – Becky Nutt, Drew John and Gail Griffin – all have “F” ratings from the Arizona Education Association.
#InvestInED is the natural continuation of the momentum generated by the #RedforEd movement, and is certainly worthy of a mention in any discussion involving the future of education in our state.
Jennifer J. Phillips, CPA
Vail School District parent
