Tom Horne’s Deceptive Tactics: Unmasking the Fake Voucher Numbers

Tom Horne, Arizona’s Republican superintendent of public instruction, has recently come under scrutiny for his claims regarding the state’s budget and the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA), known as the universal voucher program. His assertions may stretch the truth to alarming levels.

Last week, Horne issued a press release boasting of a $4 million surplus his department purportedly achieved. He attributed this surplus to the ESA program, suggesting that it could not be responsible for the state’s significant budget crisis.

Contrary to Horne’s claims, the reality is far more complex. The Arizona Legislature, under Republican control, allocated nearly $650 million in the K-12 budget for ESA vouchers. This decision contributes significantly to the state’s $1.3 billion deficit. The funds, designed to support private schooling predominantly for wealthier families, could have otherwise bolstered public schools in need.

The current budget deficit derives not only from the ESA program but also from substantial income tax cuts benefiting high earners. These legislative decisions have led to a severe reduction in essential state revenues. Without these financial missteps, Arizona could have been in a more favorable position to enhance public education.

The ramifications of the budget crisis are palpable. This year alone, funding for vital services, including K-12 education, roads, water, community colleges, and universities, faced significant cuts to balance the budget. Horne’s proclamation of a surplus seems misplaced and ironic in the context of these reductions.

Horne’s assertions invite skepticism, especially in light of the systemic issues within the ESA program. For instance, his department approved expenditures on luxury items, such as dune buggies and collectible Lego sets, which do not align with educational purposes. These instances raise concerns about the program’s integrity and accountability.

Another alarming statistic reveals that 1 in every 10 dollars of Arizona’s K-12 spending now supports the unregulated voucher program. Remarkably, ESA vouchers serve only 6.3% of the state’s student body yet absorb 11.3% of education funding, almost double the amount allocated per public school student.

Furthermore, Horne’s tenure has been marred by mismanagement, particularly regarding funding cuts. Schools learned over the summer of a $28 million reduction in Title I funding, specifically designed for high-poverty schools. Some institutions faced cuts as severe as 20%, leaving them to navigate painful decisions about staffing and student services.

If Horne were genuinely committed to elevating Arizona’s educational landscape, he would prioritize addressing funding cuts and reconsidering the ESA program’s financial implications. Instead, he seems to focus on perpetuating a system that drains resources from public schools.

Moving forward, improving Arizona’s educational system requires electing a legislature dedicated to public education. Effective reforms should include curtailing ESA vouchers, addressing fraud, and reallocating resources to ensure schools receive essential funding. Only through these changes can Arizona prepare its students for a brighter future.