Sen. Mesnard Advocates for Direct Teacher Funding from Prop 123

By Daniel Stefanski |

As the Arizona Legislature’s 57th Regular Session enters its second month, school funding has emerged as a pressing issue. Lawmakers are faced with the impending expiration of Proposition 123, a crucial funding measure for K-12 schools, which was initiated under the previous administration of Doug Ducey.

Senator J.D. Mesnard highlighted the urgency of this deadline in a recent newsletter. He stated, “With a new session comes a new opportunity to work on bills that may not have reached the finish line in the year prior. I’m again working on a Proposition 123 extension plan to send to the ballot.” Originally approved by voters in 2016, Proposition 123 allows a larger distribution of funds from the state land trust to support education. Currently, there is a concern that it will expire this summer, prompting lawmakers to allocate nearly $300 million in the last state budget to prevent disruptions in funding.

Mesnard is advocating for additional funding through a renewed Proposition 123. He proposes directing this money towards teacher pay raises, aiming for an annual increase of $4,000 for educators. “I will keep you posted on the progress of Proposition 123,” he assured, emphasizing the need for commonsense legislation.

Governor Katie Hobbs also addressed the significance of Proposition 123 during her recent State of the State address. “We must address the impending expiration of Prop 123, which provides critical funding for public schools and teachers. Renewing it is essential,” she stated. The governor underscored that inaction could jeopardize vital financial support for teacher salaries and opportunities for Arizona’s children, without raising taxes.

In the aftermath of the governor’s address, Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope reiterated the Republican stance, asserting, “We will take action to equip our K-12 schools with quality educators at the front of every classroom by using a Proposition 123 renewal to increase teacher pay above the national average.”

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne entered the discussion, emphasizing the need for a renewed Proposition 123. He stated, “We must renew Prop 123 and increase the income from the land trust, which is overflowing with money, to increase teacher salaries.”

As debates continue, the outcome of Proposition 123 will significantly impact the future of Arizona’s education funding, teachers, and students.