Arizona interest in anti-mask school vouchers outpaces funds

Surge of applications is twice as many as can actually be funded

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY/AP) - Governor Doug Ducey (R-Ariz.) announced Tuesday, August 14, plans to allot $163 million in rewards for schools that maintain in-person learning.

The program has has seen a surge of applications since Gov. Ducey made the announcement.

According to state officials, more than 2,700 applications have been started or completed in less than two weeks.

RELATED: Gov. Ducey announces $163 million in rewards for schools who maintain in-person learning

Unfortunately, that's twice as many as can be funded with the $10 million in federal, coronavirus relief cash.

Gov. Ducey's also plans to give $7,000 a year to each student to pay for private school tuition.

And while opponents of the school-voucher program worry the vouchers will stay permanent, that's allegedly what Republican lawmakers are hoping for.