Republicans Betray Arizona Public School Families; Walk Away from Prop. 123 Renewal Negotiations

PHOENIX – Senate and House Democratic Leaders Priya Sundareshan and Oscar De Los Santos released the following statement today after Governor Hobbs revealed that Republicans Legislative Leaders have abandoned bipartisan efforts to renew Proposition 123. For the past decade, the bipartisan, voter-approved Prop. 123 has used interest from State Land Trust revenues to provide stable, secure funding – approximately $300 million a year – to public schools for teacher salaries, support staff and classroom resources. But to continue this funding, a negotiated renewal plan must be sent to voters.

"Time and time again, Republican leaders say they’re ready to negotiate a budget that helps every Arizonan succeed and build a better future. But actions speak louder than words, and they have walked away from the table, apparently willing to betray the vast majority of Arizona families who choose public schools. What that renewal looks like can and should evolve through negotiations, but refusing to even consider it makes clear that, for some, 'negotiation' is nothing more than political theater.

Arizona Legislative Democrats have been clear about our priorities. Renewing Prop. 123 is about supporting hundreds of thousands of students in critically underfunded public schools, preventing school closures, supporting educators, and ending the cycle of temporary budget fixes as the original measure expires.

At the same time, Republicans must recognize the need for real accountability and transparency in their runaway ESA entitlement program. We are ready to work across the aisle to protect taxpayer dollars and put an end to wasteful spending on luxury purchases like lingerie, diamond rings, and overseas vacations.

We remain ready to negotiate in good faith. But real negotiation requires both sides to show up, listen, and be willing to compromise. Let’s stop the political theater and get to work. Arizonans are counting on us, and they deserve better. We are ready to deliver An Arizona We Can Afford."