Arizona Supreme Court to hear arguments against Proposition 208

Opponents question spending limits, margin of passage

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona Supreme Court is set to hear an expedited constitutional challenge to Proposition 208.

The measure raises taxes on the state's highest-earning residents to pay for public education. Arizona voters approved the ballot initiative during the November 3rd, 2020 General Election.

However, top-ranking state Republicans, including Gov. Doug Ducey, continue to oppose Prop 208. They claim the measure needed a two-thirds majority to become law - not the simple 52% majority by which it passed. Opponents also argue the new cash will push schools over a legal spending limit.

Gov. Ducey has said he hopes the state Supreme Court either blocks the measure, or state lawmakers find a way to side-step it.

RELATED: Gov. Ducey pushes to reverse Proposition 208

Prop 208 raises taxes on individuals making more than $250,000 a year, and couples earning more than $500,000, by 3.5%. The average income in Arizona is currently a little less than $60,000 a year. In fact, fewer than 6% of the state's residents make more than $200,000.

A lower court judge has already rejected opponents' arguments. However, the states high court agreed to put the matter on the fast track.