Arizona court ruling blocks Prop. 208, lawmakers speak out

Increased funding would have come from higher taxes

PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona's superior court ruled Proposition 208 to be unconstitutional, which would have increased the state's funding for public education.

Several lawmakers from Arizona's Senate and House have spoken out on the voter-approved measure.

House Democratic Leader Reginald Bolding stated, "Running to the courts to overrule the majority of voters
on a disputed legal technicality should be nothing to celebrate. But the hostility that Arizona's governor
and the anti-public education right-wing have shown for public school families, students and educators
has been relentless and is on full display in the current legislative session.

If passed, Prop. 208 would have also increased pay for teachers in the state.

“We are disappointed to say the least in today’s court decision on Prop 208, the Invest in Education Act, which a majority of Arizona voters passed in 2020. Republicans continue to attack our schools, teachers and students, despite a majority of Arizonans making it clear they want investments in our public education. The initiative was expected to raise over $800 million a year for K-12 education. Instead, Arizona schools will remain stuck at the bottom of the nation," expressed Senate Democratic Leader Rebecca Rios.

The National Federation of Independent Business made a statement regarding today's ruling.

“Arizona small business owners applaud today's long-awaited Arizona Superior Court decision declaring Proposition 208 unconstitutional following the review it was instructed to undertake by the Arizona Supreme Court. Moving forward, Arizona's small business owners have one less worry. Now that this ill-conceived idea that was forwarded by out-of-state actors is finally dead, small business owners can focus on growing Arizona’s economy, creating jobs and caring for their employees without fear of this soul-crushing tax.