A man on a mission, Phoenix Based NBC 12 News Reporter Craig Harris, in the tradition of the muckrakers at the turn of the last century, has spent the last several months broadcasting to viewers the many troubling issues with the Arizona’s one billion dollar Empowerment Scholarship Program (ESA)-Private School Voucher-Welfare for the Rich Program. … Read more
by Carolyn Classen, blogger Carolyn’s note: CD 6 Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R) was elected in Nov. 2022 and re-elected in Nov. 2024. Prior to this position, he served as a senior advisor to Republican Governor Doug Ducey. “Location: Edmund Optics, 2650 E Elivira Road, Tucson, AZ 85756Safety First: Wear sunscreen, bring water, and stay on the … Read more
It seems the only welfare programs most Arizona State Republicans truly cherish are the ones that benefit their rich patrons, their theocratic base, and those who commit fraud. A prime example of this is the State Empowerment Scholarship Program (ESA) which allows qualifying applicants to use taxpayer money to help pay for their child’s education … Read more
“Most disastrous scam against Arizona taxpayers this state has ever seen.” “Grave lack of accountability.” “Rather than increase staffing to address reimbursement backlogs, they chose to run commercials…” “…Reinforcing a system fit for fraud.” “All parties should be alarmed and disgusted by this mishandling of taxpayer dollars.” Incoming Senate Democratic Leader Priya Sundareshan does not … Read more
In what is not a surprise to the education and political world, enrollment in the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account Program (ESA) is surpassing the budget projections put forth in the 2023/24 State Budget. As of today (October 10, 2023,), 68,455 students have received an ESA scholarship, averaging $7300, to the private school or home school … Read more