Arizona Supreme Court Blocks ‘Invest in Ed’ ballot measure for November

NEW YORK TIMES – A major slam to the national protest against classroom budget cuts and teachers’ salaries, known as the ‘#REDforED’ movement. The Arizona Supreme Court blocked a ballot initiative on Wednesday that would have increased taxes on the wealthy to help raise money for schools.

The court said the wording of the proposition would have been confusing to voters about the extent of the proposed tax increase, in part because of questions about whether taxpayers’ income levels would be adjusted for inflation. The measure would have raised $690 million annually for education.

“This is absolutely stunning, and it denies citizens and teachers what they fought so hard for — the opportunity to fund our students and schools,” Noah Karvelis, a music teacher and one of the leaders of the Arizona walkout, said in an email. “Over 270,000 signatures were just thrown out by the court.”

The proposition would have raised income taxes by 3 to 4 percentage points on individuals and households earning more than $250,000. The court’s ruling against it increases the focus on the November elections in the state.