Horne Debunks ESA Program Budget Threat Claims After Recent Report

By Matthew Holloway |

A recent report from the Joint Legislative Budget Committee has brought new insights into Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program, disputing claims made by its opponents. Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne stated that the misconception about the ESA program threatening the state budget has been “utterly demolished.”

According to a press release from the Arizona Department of Education, the Fiscal Year 2024 concluded with Basic State Aid payments for both district and charter schools, as well as the ESA program, coming in significantly under budget. This resulted in a net saving of $4.3 million for the state. The Goldwater Institute also contributed to this narrative shift by debunking previous claims about the ESA harming students and swamping the state’s financial resources.

Horne emphasized that the surplus proves critics wrong: “Those who claimed the ESA program would devastate our education budget were simply mistaken. This surplus proves that.” The report detailed that out of the $6,309,352,100 allocated for education, only $6,305,050,851.55 was spent, resulting in a surplus of $4,301,248.45.

Reflecting on the implications of these figures, Horne noted their resistance to political rhetoric. He expressed the importance of ESAs in providing families with educational choices, particularly when one child’s needs differ from their siblings. “How can anyone deny parents that ability?” he questioned, advocating for continued school options such as charter schools and open enrollment.

The JLBC report could significantly impact upcoming elections. Democrats like John McLean, running for a State Senate seat in Legislative District 17, may find their arguments against the ESA program weakened. McLean faces Republican Vince Leach, who has criticized the Democratic Party’s performance at both state and national levels, linking initiatives like the ESA to broader issues in education and taxation.

Leach articulated concerns about the potential ramifications of electing McLean, warning that it could hinder school choice and lead to rising taxes. As the election approaches, the juxtaposition of educational funding and policy choices becomes increasingly pertinent for Arizona voters.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.