ARGUMENTS       "FOR" PROPOSITION 204

PROP. 204: MAKE QUALITY EDUCATION AND JOBS A REALITY

Rarely do Arizonans have the opportunity -- with a single vote -- to create a better future for our state's 1 million schoolchildren, improve the state's economy and redirect Arizona down a more positive path.

The Quality Education and Jobs citizens' initiative allows Arizonans to exercise our Constitutional right to determine exactly how we want our own tax dollars spent.

Special-interest lobbyists and anti-education politicians fear this type of direct democracy. They worked hard to try to keep this initiative off the ballot. They would rather dole out favors with your tax dollars than actually fund core state needs, such as education.

The Quality Education and Jobs initiative prevents legislators from using the one-cent sales tax renewal as they wish. Legislators' hands will be tied -- by you, the Arizona taxpayers. Every dollar must be spent as you designate, with 80 percent of the funding benefiting education across the spectrum: K-12, vocational education, community colleges, universities andGED programs. To protect your investment, the Legislature will be prohibited from cutting K-I2 funding.

Arizona must invest in education, not only to protect schoolchildren but to protect the state's economy. When companies decide to relocate or remain in Arizona, they base that decision on whether Arizona has a highly skilled, well-educated workforce.

By failing to invest in education, anti-education politicians have put a "Closed For Business" sign in front of our state, robbing us all of the opportunity for prosperity.

In Arizona's 100th year, we have the opportunity to exercise the rights given to us by our state's founders.

Let's exercise that constitutional right of direct democracy to benefit Arizona's children, Arizona's economy and Arizona's future.

VOTE YES FOR PROP. 204.

Ann-Eve Pedersen, Chair, Quality Education and Jobs Committee, Phoenix

Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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    Argument "FOR" the Quality Education and Jobs Initiative

The Arizona Child Care Association encourages Arizonans to vote "YES" on the Quality Education and Jobs ballot initiative.  The initiative extends the current one-cent sales tax previously approved by voters and establishes a long term, stable, and  protected, revenue source with 80% of the funds dedicated to education.

Quality Education and Jobs also funds children's health and allows a portion of the critical basic needs services that have been cut to be restored.  A Family Stability and Self Sufficiency Fund will support essential services for low income families including preventing hunger, homelessness, and domestic violence, and providing child care.

Children must be safe and stable to learn and succeed in school.  Spells of unemployment, missed rent payments, utility shutoffs, food insecurity, unstable or unsafe child care arrangements, and inadequate access to health care create hardship and a home environment detrimental to children's success in school.  Research has consistently shown that ongoing exposure to economic stress and hardship harms children and puts them at risk of school failure.  Investment in families suffering economic hardship has big payoffs for kids' academic achievement.

Education does not exist in a vacuum; for education to succeed, children and families must have enough food to eat, a stable and safe roof over their heads, and they must be healthy and free from harm.  Such investments are smart for kids and good for Arizona.

As private businesses, non-profits, and faith based organizations that provide early care and education throughout Arizona, we understand the value of investments in our children and the dividends they pay for society.  We urge all Arizonans to voteYES on Quality Education and Jobs.  Let's keep a current revenue source and dedicate it for children, education, and our future.

Bruce Liggett, Executive Director, Arizona Child Care Association, Phoenix	James Emch, President, Arizona Child Care Association, Phoenix	Don DeWitt, Secretary, Arizona Child Care Association, Phoenix
Paid for by Arizona Child Care Association

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The backbone of Arizona's economic health is a strong education system.  As theCEOs of some of Arizona's largest employers, we know that the quality of education affects our ability to keep and recruit excellent employees, as well as recruit new companies with good-paying jobs.  We depend on our state's educators to graduate students with the skills necessary to succeed in our rapidly changing job market so that Arizona remains competitive nationally and internationally. The Quality Education and Jobs initiative provides the investment in education that Arizona needs to thrive economically.

The initiative directs dollars to help teachers and students succeed as Arizona schools implement a series of reforms and accountability measures over the next two years.  Arizona is one of 45 states that have adopted a new, more rigorous curriculum called the Common Core and a new test tied to the new standards that will replaceAIMS.  In addition, teachers and principals will have one-third to one-half of their evaluations tied directly to how well their students perform.  Schools and districts will receive newA-F rankings that require them to move up their lowest performers or risk receiving a bad grade.  And third-grade students must be reading at grade level or be held back a grade.

We are raising the bar for our educators and students and we must invest in education at this critical time to ensure that our teachers in the classroom have the resources they need to help our state's 1 million schoolchildren succeed.

The initiative also guarantees state investment in Arizona's transportation infrastructure, which also is critical to Arizona's economic health.  Arizona must have safe and efficient highways, roads and transit for Arizona to keep the job-creating businesses it has and recruit new ones to the state.

Greater Phoenix Leadership Board of Directors

J. Doug Pruitt, Chairman of the Board, Greater Phoenix Leadership, Phoenix	Thomas R. Franz, President & CEO, Greater Phoenix Leadership, Phoenix
Paid for by Greater Phoenix Leadership

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The League of Women Voters of Arizona stands for quality education for all students in our public education system.  We believe this can only be carried out through adequate funding.  The passage of the "Quality Education and Jobs Initiative" will be a major step forward in carrying out this goal.

The initiative will continue the one-cent sales tax for education that was passed by 64.3% of the voters in 2010.  While the League opposes a sales tax because it is the most volatile and regressive way to generate funding for education, under Arizona's present tax structure it is the only option.

The best feature of this initiative is that it directs how this tax will be spent.  With the potential of an additional one billion dollars, it will provide a minimum funding level that cannot be reduced by the legislature.  Funding will be available to support teachers in carrying out more rigorous education standards.  An accountability structure will be implemented and an improved communication system (through a statewide database) will be available for teachers and parents.

By restoring funding for KidsCare, it ensures children of lower-income families will be healthy and ready to learn.

In addition, there will be funding for students to implement and continue their career and technical education through scholarships and increased funding for universities, community colleges and Joint Technical Education Districts (JTEDs).

The funding for roads and transportation projects addresses the need for the availability of jobs for students when they graduate.

This initiative is a very ambitious effort to correct the funding cuts imposed by the Legislature upon the states' population.  It isn't a cure-all, but it is a positive and necessary step in the right direction.

The League of Women VotersURGES you to voteYES for Education and Jobs.

Barbara Klein, President, League of Women Voters of Arizona, Scottsdale	Robyn Prud'homme-Bauer, 1st Vice President, League of Women Voters of Arizona, Clarkdale	Marion Pickens, Education Director, Tucson
Paid for by League of Women Voters of Arizona

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The Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC) enthusiastically endorses the Quality Education and Jobs Initiative, Proposition 204, on this year's general election ballot.

In 2010,SALC urged voters to make a choice between continuing funding education or allowing Draconian budget cuts to take place. As a State, we came together to approve Proposition 100, agreeing to a temporary one cent sales tax increase. That sales tax is set to expire in the coming year, and now is the time for us to make a more permanent commitment to education funding and to improve upon how that funding is spent.

Increasingly, Arizona finds itself competing on not just a national level, but on a global level as well.  In order for us to be able to meet the challenges of this new century, we must commit the necessary resources toward making sure our children are well educated and ready for success in the new American economy.

Similarly, our infrastructure is the backbone upon which our State's commerce depends. To meet the demands of the coming century and to remain an international hub for trade and ideas, our streets and highways must be maintained and improved. Proposition 204 will protect the funds needed to do this.

VotingYES for Proposition 204 will send a message that we, as Arizonans, sayYES to a better future for all Arizonans.  In fact, aYES vote may be the best investment we can make in the economic future of this state.

In 2010, Arizonans sent a message that we take seriously the growth and direction our state's economy.  Now, we urge the people of Arizona to renew and extend that support by passing Proposition 204.

Michael Hammond, Board Chair, Southern Arizona Leadership Council, Tucson	Ronald Shoopman, President, Southern Arizona Leadership Council, Tucson
Paid for by Southern Arizona Leadership Council

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Submitted by: Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits

Statement:

The Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits supports the Quality & Education Jobs Initiative as a critical step to ensure the continuation of services that our communities rely upon. The funding for education, health and human services programs embedded in this Initiative are important sources of support for many nonprofit organizations in our communities. Without these funding sources, many nonprofits would be unable to sustain their work, leaving residents without critical services. The individuals, foundations and businesses which also support these programs cannot possibly raise their levels of contributions adequately to cover these lost public resources. Therefore, passage of the Quality & Education Jobs Initiative would renew the voters' commitment to these programs and ensure that our communities are well served.

Rhonda Bannard, Chair, Board of Trustees, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Phoenix	Pam Gaber, Treasurer, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Phoenix
Paid for by Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits

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Contractors Support Proposition 204

Since the peak of construction in 2006, the construction industry has lost over 100,000 jobs.  State, county and city infrastructure budgets have been severely cut because politicians fail to recognize the need and importance of investing in infrastructure.  In fact, they have raided over $1.5 billion from highway funds to balance the state general fund.  Proposition 204 will help Arizona's ailing economy by investing much needed revenue into an already neglected freeway, street and public transit system and will make it illegal for the legislature to raid your transportation funding.  Over 28,000 jobs are created by investing $1 billion in public infrastructure.  Public infrastructure also improves our quality of life by improving air quality and reducing congestion.  For the first time, the Arizona Department of Transportation will be given the authority to invest in a comprehensive multi-modal statewide plan that will include light rail, heavy rail and other transportation modes.

Proposition 204 is a smart solution to re-invigorating our economy.  Many industries understand the link between quality education and a reliable transportation system.  Both attract business to our state.  Whether it's the company relocating to Arizona looking at our transportation system or their employees interested in ensuring their children receive a quality education, they know what's important to them.  Proposition 204 brings both of these important components together in one initiative.  An initiative supported by more than 290,000 signatures from citizens like you.

As an organization that has been a part of Arizona since 1934, the Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors encourages you to vote yes on Proposition 204.

David M. Martin, President, Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors, Phoenix	Amanda McGennis, Sr. Vice President, Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors, Phoenix
Paid for by Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors

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Prop 204 Supports Quality Education in Arizona

Arizona is a leader in implementing school reform measures aimed at boosting student achievement; however, our legislature hasn't provided the financial resources needed to achieve the desired results. Prop. 204 fixes this problem by creating a stable, dedicated revenue source for education that will help create highly educated and skilled students. That's why voters and the Friends of the Arizona School Boards Association strongly support Proposition 204.

Since 2010, Arizona has made massive changes to our public education system: creating significant improvements in how we hold schools and districts accountable; using data as a key component in how teachers and principals are evaluated; and ensuring every 3rd grader is reading at grade level before being promoted. Many of these changes were modeled after successful reforms occurring in the state of Florida.  But where Florida provided resources to ensure successful implementation of the reforms, Arizona has not.  Prop 204 fixes this fundamental flaw.

At the same time, Arizona has been grappling with poor economic times. For K-12 education, this has meant nearly one-fifth of funding cut from our public schools in the past four years - the second biggest cut in education funding among all the states. Rather than investing in Arizona's and our students' future, our legislature created mandates without, the resources to ensure they are successful.

Prop. 204 is an investment in our children's future, as well as in the future of Arizona. We simply cannot wait to make the needed investments in education while our children hang in the balance. The time to invest is now.

Please vote YES ON 204 and invest in quality education and jobs in Arizona.

Dee Navarro, President, Friends of the Arizona School Boards Association, Phoenix	Dr. Tim Ogle, Executive Director, Friends of the Arizona School Boards Association, Phoenix
Paid for by Friends of the Arizona School Boards Association, Inc.

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Proposition 204 is Vital to Our Future

Sundt Construction, the 45th largest construction company in America and now in its 122nd year of operation, supports Proposition 204 and encourages Arizona voters to back this measure.

As employers in Arizona, we look ahead a year, or two or 10, and worry about several things that will affect us and everyone in the state.

• We compete against companies from other states and in foreign countries, and we don't know where well-educated, well-qualified workers will come from to combat us in that competition.
• We are the fastest growing state in the nation, but our transportation infrastructure is not keeping up with our growth.
• Our state lawmakers are unable or unwilling to think long term and commit our tax dollars to education and infrastructure.

Proposition 204 would address all of those concerns:

• It requires that taxes already being collected will go where the voters want them - in education and infrastructure investments.
• It invests in vocational andGED programs and all public schools, including charter schools.
• It holds student, teachers, schools and school districts accountable for progress.
• It creates a state infrastructure fund to help build road, rail and transit projects in all our communities.
• It prevents the state legislature from cutting school funding and transportation investments in the future.

While we do not favor raising taxes, this initiative merely continues an existing one-cent tax; but, more importantly, it dedicates the funds raised to two critical state needs:

• Improving our schools so our children will be able to compete for jobs in a global economy.
• Ensuring that Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) money actually pays for repairing and building roads and other transportation projects.

David S. Crawford, President & CEO, Sundt Construction, Inc., Tempe	R. Randall Nye, Sr. VP & General Counsel, Sundt Construction, Inc., Tempe
Paid for by Sundt Construction, Inc.

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Our experience in public education totals more than 60 years.  During our careers, we watched a continuous eroding of funding for Arizona's public schools, and specifically, the Paradise Valley School District in which we were employed.  The decline in financing Arizona's public schools, other than for two short lived increases, has been continuous since 1985.  Exacerbated by our recent depression, the Arizona Legislature has continuously chosen lowering taxes rather than maintaining or improving our education system.  Nationally, as a result, Arizona now ranks dead last in per pupil expenditure forK-12 Education.  It is now time for the citizens of Arizona to use their constitutional right of initiative to wrestle financial control from a Legislature that places lower taxes ahead of educating Arizona's children.

The Quality Education and Jobs Initiative is designed to set a guaranteed baseline for funding Arizona's schools.  Without an educated populace, our state will no longer be able to attract 21st century high tech businesses.  Incomes and tax revenues will decline and our state, which is already one of the poorest in America, will decline even further.

The Quality Education and Jobs Initiative will require the state to spend funds on specific areas as listed in the Initiative: education, infrastructure, children's health care and public safety.  The funding cannot be supplanted by the Arizona Legislature as they have done with previous legislation created by them.  A Department of Education Accountability database will be created to track student and teacher performance.

The Quality Education and Jobs Initiative is not a panacea.  It will not solve all of Arizona's education problems.  However, it will be a strong beginning to place us back on the proper track for success.

Laurence R. Wittig, Phoenix

Connie P. Wittig, Phoenix

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The Quality Education and Jobs Initiative is projected to generate as much as $1billion in sales tax revenue in its first year (2013-14), with revenue rising to nearly $ 2 billion by 2024-25.

The first $1 billion per year in tax revenue will be distributed monthly, split proportionately between K-12 schools, universities, and funds for children's health insurance, family stability, and infrastructure and will begin flowing to these recipients as soon as the measure takes effect. Tax revenue over the first $1 billion per year will be distributed to K-12 schools, community colleges, technical schools, adult education programs, state universities, and infrastructure through a formula that splits the revenue among these recipients as it becomes available. The Legislature will not be able to change the way the revenues are distributed or take the revenues and use them to offset its own obligations or special projects - the money will automatically flow to schools, families, and communities without Legislative interference or permission.

All of this revenue is available simply by renewing an existing sales tax at the same rate - one cent per dollar that was approved by the voters in 2010 to fund education and health programs. Without a yes vote on the Quality Education and Jobs Initiative, the tax approved in 2010 will expire on May 31, 2013 and this revenue will be lost to our schools and communities.

George Cunningham, Treasurer, Quality Education and Jobs, Former Governor's Deputy Chief of Staff for Finance and Budget, Tucson

Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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It is time for Arizonans to come together to support Quality Education and Jobs by votingYES on Proposition 204. As a former member of the Arizona Board of Regents, I have seen Arizona education go through tough times due to economic conditions, this however is unlike anything I have ever witnessed. The deep cuts made over the past three years have left us with an education system that has been continually defunded.

When we came together in 2010 to pass the one-cent sales tax, we were promised by the governor that the money would go towards education to prevent losing any funding for schools during the recession. What actually happened, we now see, has been sadly different. Now it is time for Arizonans to come to the polls again, this time with aVOTER crafted initiative, that will protect the revenue coming in so that it will be spent making up for the disastrous cuts the legislature has pursued. If we allow the one cent sales tax to expire, the situation will get even worse for our schools, our infrastructure, and public safety. Arizona stands at a turning point now, where we can prevent hurdling off a fiscal cliff, or set ourselves back on track to keep Arizona a great place to work, live, and raise a family.

I know that Arizona voters support education. Now we just need to make the legislature recognize that we do. Please voteYES on Proposition 204.

Tio Tachias, Phoenix

Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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PROP. 204:  MAKE CHILDREN THE WINNERS

As parents with young children, we see up close the effects of the Legislature's four consecutive years of devastating cuts to public education.

Ballooning class sizes.

All-day Kindergarten - defunded.

Promising teachers fired.

Schools closed.

No money for basics, like paper, pens, pencils, paper towels, etc.

P.E., the arts, librarians, counselors - eliminated

Any Arizona politician who tells you they have invested adequately in education is not being truthful.  Instead, Arizona led the nation in cuts to education at 24 percent, despite being one of the lowest per-pupil funded states in the country.

Rather than give up, we had to find a positive solution outside the state Capitol - where special-interest lobbyists and their politician-allies clearly are not looking out for the state's 1 million schoolchildren or our economy.

That's why our parent-led, non-partisan organization, the Arizona Education Parent Network, decided to spearhead the Prop. 204 citizens' initiative to provide permanent revenue for education that the Legislature can't cut.

Anti-education lobbyists and politicians squawk at the thought of Arizonans actually determining how their tax-dollars are spent.  But Arizona's constitution gives citizens the right to direct democracy through the initiative process when our elected officials are failing us.

Education and the economy are Arizonans' top concerns and Prop. 204 gives us a chance to boost both.

Since immersing ourselves in this effort, we have witnessed the underbelly of the state's political system.  The anti-education, special-interest lobbyists and politicians will stop at nothing to thwart this citizen-led grassroots movement, which threatens their power.

If you hear something negative about Prop. 204, consider the source.  Then consider who's paying the source.  Guaranteed it is someone who stands to win by making children the losers.

DON'T LET SPECIAL-INTEREST GROUPS WIN.

MAKE CHILDREN THE WINNERS.

VOTE YES ON PROP. 204

Jenifer Darland, Vice-president, Arizona Education Parent Network, Tucson	Lisa Ferko, Vice-president, Arizona Education Parent Network, Oro Valley
Paid for by Arizona Education Network

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Vote yes on Prop 204.

The Arizona Students' Association (ASA), which represents the 130,000 Arizona public university students, supports Proposition 204. Costs to attend one of Arizona's once-affordable universities have skyrocketed because of budget cuts. Arizona saw the largest tuition increases in the nation in recent years, only overshadowed by California. Proposition 204 is a common sense solution that will ensure more Arizona students have the opportunity to earn a college education.

As it stands now, state-based financial aid only accounts for one percent of the total aid awarded to students, which means students disproportionately turn to student loans.  It is not uncommon for students to leave school with $25,000, $50,000 or even $100,000 in student loan debt. Such debt burdens mean students will have to delay major life decision like buying a house or a car, which negatively affects the Arizona economy as a whole.

Arizona must invest in higher education to secure the state's climb back to economic health. We can't afford to keep cutting programs like theAIMS scholarship. Arizona needs more highly educated graduates to work the jobs of the future. Education fuels economic growth, but Arizona's lack of investment in higher education may mean that we will fall short.

Prop. 204 brings something monumental  - $150 million worth of financial aid that goes directly to students. This means students will finally get the resources they need to earn a higher education without crushing student debt.

Too many Arizonans have shied away from a college education because of cost. Too many students suffer from student debt they will struggle to pay off for the rest of their lives. Arizona can't afford to have a public university system that's out of reach to so many. Join us in voting yes on Prop. 204.

Danielle Bryant, Secretary, The Arizona Students' Association, Phoenix	Robyn Nebrich, Executive Director, The Arizona Students' Association, Glendale
Paid for by Arizona Students' Association

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I encourage you to join me and other concerned Arizonans in voting yes on Proposition 204. Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) is a statewide community development organization committed to building stronger, healthier communities across the state of Arizona. Our programs and experience have been recognized nationally to help develop strong social and economic development programs.

We witness on a daily basis how this current economy continues to impact so many Arizona families. The economic downturn has also created significant stress on non-profit organizations, such asCPLC, who serve Arizona's most vulnerable communities. We all continue to be impacted by these economic challenges and that's why we encourage you to vote yes on Proposition 204.

Your vote in support of Proposition 204 will create a dedicated revenue source for education programs and fund other job investment programs that allow Arizonan's families to achieve a brighter future. Your vote will restore funding for the KidsCare program, fund merit and needs-based scholarships for Arizona students as well as a family stability fund to target Arizona families in need. Arizona's non-profit social service providers will continue to do their important work across the state. We encourage you to show your support for Arizona families by voting Yes on Proposition 204.

Martin Quintana, Chief Operations Officer, Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., Phoenix	Max Gonzales, Vice President of Administration, Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., Phoenix
Paid for by Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc.

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MYTHBUSTERS, PART ONE:  DON'T BELIEVE WHAT EDUCATION ENEMIES TELL YOU

Groups that oppose public education will try to confuse you this election season by spreading misinformation about the Quality Education and Jobs Initiative, so, as a parent group, we want you to be armed with the facts.

MYTHBUSTER#1:  Administrative costs

  Education opponents regularly misstate what Arizona spends on school administrative costs.

THE TRUTH:  ARIZONA SPENDS LESS ON SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS THAN ANY OTHER STATE IN THE U.S.

Arizona regularly spends the lowest amount per child in the nation on administrative costs -  $420 per child, well below the national average of $774.

(Source:  U.S. Census Bureau report released on June 21, 2012.  For more information go to www.qualityeducationandjobs.com.)

MYTHBUSTER #2:  Classroom expenses

   Education opponents also misrepresent the amount of funding spent in classrooms, citing the state Auditor General's report.

THE TRUTH:  THE STATE DOES NOT INCLUDE CRITICAL POSITIONS IN THE CLASSROOM EXPENDITURE CATEGORY, SUCH AS COUNSELORS, NURSES, SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS, READING SPECIALISTS, AUDIOLOGISTS, PSYCHOLOGISTS AND SOCIAL WORKERS.

The state Auditor General's Office annual report as to classroom expenses is misleading because it fails to reflect that positions it designates as "non-classroom" are actually critical to student learning.

MYTHBUSTER #3:  Connection between education funding and student performance

THE TRUTH:  THERE IS A DIRECT CONNECTION BETWEEN EDUCATION FUNDING AND STUDENT PERFORMANCE.

While education opponents argue that money doesn't matter, data shows otherwise.  On the whole, the states that prioritize and adequately fund education are the states that have the best student performance.  It just stands to reason.  If students do not have access to books, paper, pencils, etc., how can they be expected to learn?  Because of repeated funding cuts in Arizona, some schools must resort to fundraising just to pay for basics.

Ann-Eve Pedersen, Tucson

Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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MYTHBUSTERS PART TWO:  DON'T BELIEVE SPECIAL-INTEREST GROUP LOBBYISTS

Sad as it may seem, there are special-interest group lobbyists who are actively working against our children by spreading misinformation about the  Quality Education and Jobs initiative (Prop. 204).

These education enemies operate in the land of untruths and will try to confuse you during this campaign with misrepresentations.

As a non-partisan parent group, it has been eye-opening to witness how these special-interest lobbyists control the state Capitol.   They don't want to lose the power to determine how your tax dollars are spent.  While education is Arizona voters' top funding priority, it is not the top priority of their monied clients.

Here's how they'll try and fool you:

MYTH #4:  Accountability and Performance

THE TRUTH:  THE QUALITY EDUCATION AND JOBS INITIATIVE HAS NUMEROUS ACCOUNTABILITY AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS.  A percentage of funding is only released if performance improves statewide on measurements including improving graduation rates, increasing the number of third-graders reading at grade levels and better scores on theACT andSAT.  In addition, Prop. 204 will fully fund an accountability statewide database that the Governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction have argued is necessary for tracking student, principal, teacher, school and district performance.  It will also provide more immediate feedback to parents and teachers as to student performance on statewide assessments.

MYTH #5:  Charter schools

THE TRUTH:  THE INITIATIVE PREVENTS ANY FURTHER CUTS TO FUNDING FOR BOTH CHARTER SCHOOLS AND DISTRICT SCHOOLS.  Education enemies are cynically trying to drive a wedge between the charter school and district school communities by making misstatements about funding for charter schools.  As parents, we made sure the initiative made investments in both charter and district schools and protected both from further legislative cuts.

Ann-Eve Pedersen, Tucson

Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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The Protecting Arizona's Family Coalition and ThePAFCO Education Fund strongly support the Quality Education and Jobs Act citizen's initiative. We support the renewal of the one cent sales tax and allocation of funds for public education and universities as well as for children's health and the Family Stability and Self Sufficiency Fund in the proposed law.

We strongly support the proposed Family Stability and Self-Sufficiency Fund section to be administered by the Governor's Office to provide grants to help reduce hunger, homelessness, family violence and provide child care. We also strongly support the section to fund KidsCare, children's health care fund. Arizona needs an adequate tax base to support its children and families.

Education and education achievement do not exist in a vacuum. For education to succeed, children and families must have enough food to eat, a stable and safe roof over their heads, and they must be healthy and free from harm. It is critical to help struggling families make ends meet by restoring and strengthening programs that provide basic needs, promote self-sufficiency, offset the high cost of child care, and provide health insurance coverage for children.

When compared to poor children, children in stable families with sufficient income through employment: have improved school readiness, higher levels of reading and math skills, more pro-social and less problem behavior, higher rates of high school completion and educational attainment, work more and earn more.

The investments proposed in the Quality Education and Jobs initiative are investments are smart for children and families and good for Arizona.

Ann Rider, Vice Chair, Protecting Arizona's Family Coalition Education Fund, Phoenix	Jodi Beckley Liggett, Chair, Protecting Arizona's Family Coalition, Phoenix
Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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Arizona Parent Teacher Association (ArizonaPTA) members are cautious about taxes and passionate about helping all children meet their full potential. ArizonaPTA Board supports this initiative because it provides

• No new taxes;
• Accountability to the taxpayer;
• Dedicated funding for quality K-12 education, college scholarships, and job training.

A YES vote for Quality Education and Jobs means YES for accountability.

Accountability laws that QEJ will help fund:

• "Move on When Reading" students reading by 3rd grade
• Teacher and Principal Evaluations based 30-50% on their students' test scores. New tests and other innovations need to be developed to assure that every student has a highly qualified teacher, while assuring that our teachers are respected and supported as professionals.

Plus, QEJ will add

• New audits of K-12 schools and colleges.  Every 5 years, audits will check that the monies collected were used to improve education and job preparation.

26%  cut.   From 2007 to 2012, state K-12 education funding has been cut by 26% per pupil.

Arizona PTA members report:

• Cut:   math and literacy coaches
• Class sizes are too high.
• Cut:   art,  music,  PE,  languages classes
• Cut:   anti-bullying programs,  college advisors, vocational training
• No state funding for buildings

Throwing money at the problem will not help, but applying money to specific practices will help Arizona be competitive globally.    This initiative will NOT be enough to replace the 26% cut.     But it's the right direction.

PTA® is the largest volunteer child advocacy association worldwide.  

Today's children will determine our future as our doctors, car mechanics, political decision-makers, etc.

For a bright future, we must assure quality education for all children.

Please Vote YES!

Rochelle Wells, President, Arizona PTA, Tempe	Mitzi Epstein, Legislative Issues Chair, Arizona PTA, Tempe
Paid for by Arizona Congress of Parents and Teachers

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Literacy Connects' vision is that our community will thrive when all of its members are literate and active participants in our schools, workplaces, homes and government.

In recent years, funding for education for all ages from preschool to adults has been significantly reduced. Making certain that the revenues generated by continuing the one-cent sales tax actually go to improve the educational opportunities in our state is essential for economic recovery and improving the quality of life in our communities.

The initiative includes important support for learners of all ages that will not be able to be redirected to non-educational expenses by the legislature.

The initiative also includes important accountability measures to ensure that this money will be spent wisely. The Board of Literacy Connects endorses Proposition 204 and urges Arizona voters to vote yes for Proposition 204.

Jeanne Taylor, Business Manager, CDG Architects, Ltd., Literacy Connects, Tucson	Sylvia Lee, Retired - Former President, Pima College Community Campus, Literacy Connects, Tucson
Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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Vote Yes on Proposition 204

Proposition 204, the Quality Education and Jobs Act, is absolutely vital to the future of education in the state of Arizona.  Unprecedented cuts by the state Legislature over the past five years have devastated public education in Arizona.  The Legislature's passage of numerous educational initiatives in combination with these cuts, without additional funding, will make them nearly impossible to execute.

Proposition 204 will establish a dedicated funding source for public education in Arizona and will provide accountability standards and performance requirements vital to the implementation of the laws passed by the Legislature.

As a parent of public school children, I witness the dedication of public school employees daily and I believe it is time for us, as parents and community members, to define how education funding is provided.  There has been consistent support by voters in this state for education but our Legislature has routinely ignored the will of the voters by passing unfunded mandates and cutting virtually all aspects of public education.

I urge you to join me in supporting Proposition 204.  Make your vote count by voting "Yes" on November 6th.

Julie Bacon, Parent, Scottsdale

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    The Grand Canyon Institute Recommends YES on Prop. 204

To build an economy focused on high-end jobs, we have to empower private sector forces of innovation and creation, while investing in an educational system that provides a solid workforce and environment that advances the intellectual capital of a knowledge economy.

That's not going to happen without your support for the Quality Education and Jobs Initiative.  The initiative maintains the current one cent sales tax passed by voters in May 2010 to support education and improves upon it.

The initiative creates the foundation for educational innovation and success by requiring the State Board of Education to set goals and assess progress statewide in student achievement, parent satisfaction and student engagement.  These public goals will create the conversation Arizona needs regarding what works best in education.

Quality education will be critical toward attracting high-end jobs, as employers want a quality workforce and the confidence in education to send their own children to public schools.

It's also comprehensive, applying to both charter and traditional public schools.  It funds vocational education as well as scholarships to universities.

Healthy kids are ready to learn.  Prop. 204 addresses a key omission of the legislature, a failure to fully fund KidsCare, health insurance for lower income children who are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid.   Plus, Arizona will receive the two to one matching federal dollars that accompany it.

Proposition 204 steers a prudent path for Arizona's economic future.  The Grand Canyon Institute recommends voters approve it.

Carolyn Allen, Vice-Chair, Grand Canyon Institute, Scottsdale	Jack August, Secretary, Grand Canyon Institute, Prescott
Paid for by Grand Canyon Institute, Inc.

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The leadership of the Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness, a statewide advocacy group consisting of homeless practitioners and stakeholders, supports the Quality Education and Jobs Initiative.  While the economy may be rebounding, families, individuals, and veterans who have been left crippled by a job loss, a mortgage foreclosure, or a health crisis, have exhausted their family and social supports and are now showing up at emergency shelters throughout the state.  What's more, economic and demographic indicators linked to homelessness continue to worsen.  Resources provided by the federal stimulus have run out in many communities, and the past several years of the state budget crisis have flattened any new resources to programs providing aid to those experiencing homelessness.  These are the reasons the Coalition's leadership supports the continuation of the temporary one-cent sales tax passed in 2010.  Among the initiative's many benefits - protecting K-12 funding from future legislative cuts and restoring KidsCare healthcare funding for children living in poverty - the initiative creates a Family Stability and Self-Sufficiency Fund to provide grants to help reduce hunger, homelessness, family violence and to provide childcare.  The Family Stability and Self-Sufficiency Fund would be administered by the Governor's office, which would annually allocate monies to nonprofits to provide services for the basic needs of children, families, and vulnerable adults whose incomes are less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

A yes vote to the Quality Education and Jobs Initiative would not increase taxes, but continue an existing tax.  Arizona voters understand the importance of highly educated and skilled citizens and the need to support programs that aid children and disadvantaged families.  The Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness requests that you vote YES on the Quality Education and Jobs Initiative.

Mattie Lord, Board Member, Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness, Phoenix	Nichole Stevens, Board Member, Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness, Phoenix
Paid for by Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness

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WhatMAKES a country great are its citizens.  WhatKEEPS a country great are its children. Children cannot vote in the coming election and are total victims when it comes to their education.  If our country is to grow and prosper, we must educateALL our children to the best of our ability.  In Arizona we are not doing that and children are suffering because of it.

The state of Arizona already ranks at the bottom in educational funding.   Students are in large classes without the programmatic support they need to succeed.  Yet our legislature keeps putting additional demands on teachers and principals to do more and more with less and less.  It has become impossible to do.

Within the last five years our legislature has cut an additional 26% from an already under funded educational budget. Our children do not deserve this.  If we want children to become productive citizens, we owe them the education they deserve including programs that meet individual needs (e.g. reading, math and language support).  Our children also deserve music, art andP.E.  All these programs have been cut because there is no money to fund them.

Passing Prop 204 is the first step in correcting this wrong and supporting our children.  By passing this initiative we will guarantee that money we have allocated for educationGOES to education.  Our children deserve nothing less.

VoteYES on Prop 204.

Jane Klipp, EdD, Educator, Tucson

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Following years of an uncertain economy, the state budget has been routinely balanced on the backs of the most vulnerable: children. KidsCare, a program that bridges the gap for families who earn too much to qualify forAHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System) but still earn too little to afford insurance for their children, has absorbed substantial cuts, denying tens of thousands of children access to adequate routine medical care. These same children attend public schools across the state, the same public schools that have had their funding slashed, inflicting double damage on the young lives our state should be protecting.

The Quality Education and Jobs Intiative--Proposition 204--will provide $25 million for children's healthcare within the first year. Without Prop 204, KidsCare will no longer exist by next year, and children will go without the healthcare they need to grow into educated, contributing members of our communities.

Further, Prop 204 provides stable funding for our state's public education system, funds additional resources for those children who face educational challenges brought on by poverty, as well as invests in career and technical programs, which provide skills and training necessary for an improving state economy.

It is important for us to support Prop 204 to protect each and every child's future and, consequently, the future of our state. A healthy child makes for a healthy student read and able to take advantage of the educational opportunities this Proposition will ensure for them.

VoteYES for healthy students. VoteYES on Prop 204.

Barbara H. Warren, MD, MPH, Chair, Board of Directors, Physicians for Social Responsibility AZ, Tucson	Eve Shapiro, MD, MPH, Member, Board of Directors, Physicians for Social Responsibility AZ, Tucson
Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs

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Education is important to the families in our communities. We want a good, quality education for our children not only as parents, but because we know they are the future of our community.

This measure supports working class families by providing a stable funding source for our public schools. We know that a good education means a better chance for our children to go to college and a more quality workforce.

This measure will help make education more affordable for our families by including scholarships to attend university or community college. It strengthens community colleges and universities in Arizona by providing funds for operations as well as for the scholarships.

Our state legislature has been cutting funds to public education year after year and it has to stop now. This measure is a way for the people to take responsibility for funding schools into our own hands and ensuring that our children's schools are adequately funded.

Support Arizona's future, support Prop 204.

Dawn Marie-Rutkowski Koberstein, Past-President, Chandler Education Association, Tempe	LeAnna Farmer, President, Chandler Education Association, Chandler	Susan Cormier, President, KEA, Tempe	Katie Barnes, President, Tempe Elementary Education Association, Chandler
Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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As mayor of Arizona's second largest city, I recognize that improving Arizona's education system is the key to a healthy economy.

That's why I support the Quality Education and Jobs Initiative, Prop. 204.

This initiative will create no new taxes.  However, by extending the current one-cent sales tax, it will provide a permanent, dedicated revenue source for education.  Turning Arizona into a state where education funding is guaranteed will help our communities attract and retain high-paying employers, who need highly skilled employees.

This support for education comes at a critical time for district and charter schools in our communities.  Recent cuts to education have caused much larger classroom sizes, the loss of qualified teachers, school closures and the lack of funds for basic supplies.  Arizona is one of the lowest-funded education systems in the country and we have the poor outcomes to show for it.

Especially troubling is the fact that only 26 percent of fourth graders are reading at grade level.  One in six children who don't read well by third grade drop out or don't graduate from high school on time.  Prop. 204 will provide funds to help our schools meet the new requirement that third-graders be reading at grade level.

While 80 percent of the funds will help education, Prop. 204 also benefits transportation.  The Legislature's diversion of transportation dollars into the general fund has hurt our communities.  We have had to shift resources away from priorities, such as police, fire, parks and libraries to pay for road repair.  Prop. 204 prevents future legislative raids and creates a fund that will help build and repair road, rail and transit projects in our communities.

VoteYES for Prop. 204:  Quality Education and Jobs.

Jonathan Rothschild, Mayor of Tucson, Tucson

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As our schools go, so goes the future of our cities and our economy. As a mayor, I know our communities compete in a global economy, and the best way to give our children a competitive advantage is to advance education in Arizona.  In fact, it's the only way.

That's why I support Proposition 204, the Quality Education and Jobs Initiative.  The initiative maintains the existing sales tax rate, and provides a permanent, dedicated revenue source for education. Not only will this help prepare our kids for the future, it sends a message that we are serious about education and will help immediately with recruiting the right kinds of employers and high wage jobs to our state.

Thank you for joining me in voting yes on Prop. 204, Quality Education and Jobs.

Greg Stanton, Mayor of Phoenix, Phoenix

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Valley of the Sun United Way Argument in Favor of the Quality Education and Jobs Initiative

Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW) believes that resources should be invested toward education and jobs to ensure our state's future. In 2010, Arizona voters and Valley of the Sun United Way agreed with Governor Brewer's proposal to implement a temporary one-cent sales tax to support education and other critical services. While this provided a critical temporary resource, it is imperative that a permanent funding solution be established to support education and jobs. The Quality Education and Job Initiative will set forth specific funding for K-12 education, post-secondary education, vocational training and jobs. Accordingly,VSUW supports this initiative.

All agree that providing a better educated workforce is vital to increasing productivity and fostering innovation. When business and industry leaders convene in Arizona, it's common to hear discussions about the need to enhance our state's economic competiveness and calls for a better-prepared and competitive workforce. Therefore, it is critical for Arizona to step up and support programs that will prepare youth for success in school, career and the workforce.

Since 1925,VSUW has developed and funded programs proven to help children enter school healthy and ready to learn, which arms youth with a solid foundation for lifelong learning. Quality education will set the course toward financial and personal independence for Arizona's youth.

Working to educate, provide healthy family environments, and financial independence are priorities forVSUW and the community, and as always, United Way is ready to move forward and work alongside fellow citizens that hold Arizona's best interest in mind.

Please vote in favor of the Quality Education and Jobs Initiative.

Respectfully,

Merl E. Waschler, President & CEO, Valley of the Sun United Way, Phoenix	Katherine Cecala, Chief Operating Officer, Valley of the Sun United Way, Phoenix
Paid for by Valley of the Sun United Way

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Valley Interfaith Project (VIP) supports the Quality Education and Jobs Initiative and asks its constituents and all voters to vote "Yes" on Prop 204. Prop 204 is very important to our families.VIP is a broad-based organization that includes congregations, schools, unions and other non-profits.  For too long, we have neglected to fund education in our state at the level where our children can succeed.  Continuing the one cent sales tax will provide a dedicated revenue source that will strengthen education and prevent K - 12 cuts. It will also restore the affordable health insurance program, KidsCare. Our children must be healthy and prepared for the jobs of the future. All of the requirements for a strong educational system from kindergarten to college are immense but crucial for the future of our fast growing state.  Prop. 204 requires accountability through performance standards, student accountability, graduation rates and percentage of children reading at third grade levels.

David Ryan, Vice President, Valley Interfaith Project, Phoenix	Jozef de Groot, Treasurer, Valley Interfaith Project, Scottsdale
Paid for by Valley Interfaith Project

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Dignity Health Arizona stands as the leading not-for-profit healthcare system in the western United States with 38 hospitals in Arizona, California and Nevada. We provide a wide range of health, social and support services, with special advocacy for the poor and underserved.

We support Proposition 204 because it is vital for our communities and the future of our children.

Polls have shown that Arizona residents instinctively understand how important education is to everyone, today, as well as in the future, and Dignity Health agrees. Proposition 204 provides additional funding for education that will help grow the next Arizona physician, nurse, or x-ray technician, as well as the next researcher and inventor for new healthcare providers. A strong educational base creates the future workforce that Dignity Health needs to provide the best possible care to our patients. In addition, by investing in technical and career programs, students may be shown opportunities in healthcare that they otherwise would not have thought possible.

We believe that Proposition 204 passes the test of fairness and long-term vision that we in Arizona need today.

This initiative does all of the following:

• It invests in vocational and GED programs and all public schools, including charter schools.
• It creates resources for Career and Technical Education programs as well as community college scholarships.
• It holds students, teachers, schools and school districts accountable for progress.
• It requires that taxes already being collected go where the voters want them -- into education and infrastructure investments.

We urge our fellow citizens to support a better future for all of us and vote for Proposition 204.

Linda Hunt, Senior VP of Operations, President & CEO, Dignity Health Arizona, Phoenix	John Peters, Service Area Chief Financial Officer, Dignity Health Arizona, Phoenix
Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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Dear Arizona Families,

These past few years have been difficult times for everyone.  While told that tough choices and cuts have been needed, these cuts hit hard on those who cannot, and should not, shoulder the burden of hunger or illness. I am talking about the children of Arizona most in need- those who are hungry, ill and homeless. These children did not cause the current budget situation we are in, and it is outrageous that they should suffer for it.  Prop 204 will not only improve and protect education funding for the State of Arizona, it will also protect funding for the programs children and families rely upon.  That is why the Association for Supportive Child Care supports this proposition.

In 2010, the child healthcare program - KidsCare - which provides health care for children not eligible forAHCCCS yet still needing assistance was ended.  Thanks to the support of organizations and local hospitals, KidsCare II was started up to help these children once again.  Unfortunately, if this proposition does not pass, KidsCare II will no longer be able to assist children in need by the end of this year.

We cannot allow the children of this state in need of help go without assistance, anymore.  Prop 204 will not only restore funding to Kids Care, it will create an additional funding for families in need for services to help families.  Combined, these funds will total $125 million dollars to support families and their children when they need help the most.  Give them a helping hand to get out of poverty.  Please join me in supporting Prop 204 by votingYES for Arizona's children.

Susan (Wilkins) Jacobs, Executive Director, Association for Supportive Child Care, Tempe	Elizabeth Blue Swadener, Board Member, Association for Supportive Child Care, Tempe
Paid for by Association for Supportive Child Care

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It is time to stand up for education; education is the solution for jobs, careers and a healthy economic/business community. Politicians say they are for education but have made severe cuts to education. The time is now; it is up to us, the citizens, the voters, to act.   We need to find a way to improve education in Arizona and the time is now. The studies have been done and we know that increased funding for education means jobs for Arizona. Our students have been neglected long enough. We are not just throwing money at education. A plan, limitation and requirements are in place for the use of these funds. As a community college board member I promise to do my job to ensure my commitment to good stewardship and student success.

The Quality Education and Jobs Act, otherwise known as Proposition 204, is so vitally important for the State of Arizona.  After trying to put good faith in the ability of the state legislature to fund education adequately, Arizona citizens have come together to do the job themselves. Proposition 204 will allow dedicated revenue to flow into education. Voting YES for Proposition 204 will put Arizona, our cities, our neighborhoods, and our communities back on the right track.

We stand at a crossroads now as the people of Arizona. Together, we can create a stronger future for Arizona. Please join us in supporting Proposition 204.

Randolph Lumm, Board Member, Maricopa County Community College District, Litchfield Park	Esther Durán Lumm, Community Activist, Litchfield Park
Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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Proposition 204 Prepares Arizona for the Future

The Tucson Utility Contractors Association supports Proposition 204 to prepare our future workers, protect the Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) and create a statewide infrastructure fund to help build road, rail and transit projects in our communities.

For too long - and long before the recession hit - state legislators in Arizona have used theHURF as a slush fund to promote other projects rather than devoting it to paying for the transportation projects that help Arizona grow and create new jobs - its intended purpose.

Arizona has been the fastest growing state in the nation.  As it grows, the state needs its roads and transit projects to keep pace.  It also needs jobs for its growing population.

But more than 43,000 jobs in Arizona have been lost already due to raiding of Highway User Revenue Funds.

Proposition 204:

• Ensures adequate funding for schools to prepare the next generation of workers for a competitive global economy.
• Prevents legislative raids on the HURF so that our cities and counties do not have resources diverted away in order to fund road repair and construction.
• Creates a state fund dedicated to ensuring that our modes of transporting goods and people are safe and high-functioning.

As an association representing Arizona employers, we are pleased that this initiative will not raise taxes.  It simply extends the existing one-cent tax for education that is due to expire and allocates a fraction of it to transportation projects.

Proposition 204 will stop the misuse of theHURF.  We support it.  We ask our fellow citizens to support it as well.

Ramon Gaanderse, Executive Director, Tucson Utility Contractors Association, Tucson	Chris Albright, Chairman, Tucson Utility Contractors Association, Tucson
Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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Sun Devils, please join me in supporting Prop. 204.  Arizona is at a crossroads. For too many years, our state hasn't prioritized higher education. As a Sun Devil, a student leader, and an Arizonan, I support Prop. 204 because I know it will revitalize our economy and ensure that more Arizonans can have access to a college education.

Arizona lacks a state-based financial aid system. This, combined with rising tuition and fees, has meant that students turn to student loans to pay for their education. Students aren't taking out a small amount of debt; the average in-state undergraduate leaves school with more than $25,000 in student debt. Debt isn't just a problem that affects students - graduates with overwhelming debt burdens delay major life decision like buying a house or starting a family, which negatively impacts the entire economy.

Prop. 204 is the solution we have been waiting for. When passed, Prop. 204 will provide $150 million worth of financial aid that goes directly to students. Education drives economic growth, and Prop. 204 is how we are going to get our economy back on track.

Mark Naufel, Student Body President, Arizona State University for the Undergraduate Student Government at Tempe, Tempe

Paid for by Arizona Students' Association

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As Student Body President at the University of Arizona join me in supporting Proposition 204. I am supporting this proposition because it offers unprecedented opportunities for student success in this state. Education is essential for economic growth, and as a student leader I am committed to ensuring that we are doing everything possible to preserve the strength of Arizona's future.

This is a pressing issue for students because the cost to attend the University of Arizona has grown beyond the means of too many students and families. Financial aid hasn't caught up to cover tuition, and only one percent of the total financial aid Arizona students receive comes from state-based financial aid. Because of this, I have had to witness numerous students and families be forced to turn to costly student loans to cover the total cost of attendance.

Prop. 204 provides $150 million a year for financial aid that goes directly to Arizona university students. This means that students will have a sustainable source of financial aid and won't have to scramble to find a way to pay for college. This initiative has the ability to provide these students with better access and affordability than ever before.

When we stand united as a community and state, only then can we work to achieve real progress. Cost has kept too many qualified students from becoming engineers, teachers or scientists, and above all, prevented them from pursuing their passions. Arizona can't afford to limit access to our universities. We know Prop. 204 will get us on the right track- let's bear down and make this a reality.

Vote yes on Prop. 204 to grow opportunities for our students, our community, and our economy.

Kathleen Murray, Student Body President, Associated Students of the University of Arizona, Tucson

Paid for by Arizona Students' Association

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    Argument to Vote YES on Prop 204, Quality Education and Jobs Act

The Arizona State University Graduate and Professional Student Association proudly supports Proposition 204.  This ballot measure asks voters to continue the one-cent sales tax approved through Proposition 100 in May 2010.  Proposition 204 establishes specific guidelines dictating that the revenue will be used to support education, infrastructure, children's health care, and public safety.  We support this grassroots initiative because 80% of the funding goes directly toward funding education.  Our top priority is to ensure that our public universities continue to provide an accessible, affordable, and quality education.  These institutions have seen over $400 million cut from their budgets since 2008, which has resulted in increased tuition costs and  rising student debt.  Over the last 5 years, undergraduate debt has increased 17.4%, from $18,029 to $21,158 and graduate debt has increased 25.2% from $35,880 to $44,918, a report from the Arizona Board of Regents shows.  Proposition 204 provides $150 million a year for state-based financial aid to Arizona university students, which means more students will graduate without crushing student debt.

When Proposition 204 is passed, voters will see an immediate return on this investment.   Nearly $1 billion was infused into the Arizona economy as a direct result of research at our public universities, according toABOR.  Education drives economic growth - in 2010, individuals who were awarded an undergraduate or graduate degree between 1990 and 2010 earned nearly $11.1 billion in wages and paid approximately $788 million in state and local taxes, according toABOR.  Investing in quality education and jobs is investing in a better Arizona with high quality jobs today and a more educated and prepared workforce tomorrow. Please voteYES on Proposition 204.

Rhian Stotts, President, Graduate and Professional Student Association at Arizona State University, Tempe	Megan Fisk, Vice President of Professional Development, Graduate and Professional Student Association at Arizona State University, Gilbert
Paid for by Graduate and Professional Student Association

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Many rural communities in Arizona suffered deep losses during the recession. We have some of the highest rates of unemployment in the state and with cuts to public education and transportation many of our school buildings and roads are in rough shape.

This initiative will invest directly in our classrooms, allowing for reductions in class sizes, replacing aging infrastructures, installing state-of-the-art improvements, and retaining high-quality teachers with competitive pay and benefits.

This initiative will create new jobs by protecting state road funds for local communities, stopping legislative raids so that cities and towns don't have to divert funds away from police and fire stations to fund costly repairs.

Things may be turning around for the rest of the nation, but the recovery process will be slower in rural Arizona and this initiative can help our communities get back on their feet faster.

Support our rural communities, vote Yes on Prop 204.

C.M. Thompson, Chinle Education Association, Chinle	Carrie L. Barros, President, Humboldt Education Association, Prescott
Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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The students of Northern Arizona University overwhelmingly support Proposition 204. Lumberjacks support this proposition knowing that it is the best way to get Arizona's higher education system back on track. It is fact that education fuels economic growth, and Prop. 204 will allow education in Arizona to grow.

Tuition and fees at the universities have skyrocketed and Lumberjacks know that Arizona is lacking a viable form of state-based financial aid. Students are disproportionally turning to student loans to finance their education. Students are leaving the school with high student loan debt that is often impossible to pay off. Student loan debt is not just a problem for the individual student; it is a problem for the entire economy.

Proposition 204 will bring viable relief to Arizona students and families- it will provide $150 million a year toward state-based student financial aid. With the passing of Prop. 204, students will have a place to turn to other than loans to fund their education.

Vote yes on Prop. 204 to support students and grow our economy.

Samantha Smart, Student Body President, Associated Students of Northern Arizona University, Peoria

Paid for by Arizona Students' Association

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Great schools build great communities.  The kind of businesses that move here, the quality of health care that our senior citizens receive, the ability of our graduates to find jobs in the communities they grew up in are all impacted by having top rate schools.

In the past four years, we have been going in the wrong direction.  Since 2008, the Arizona State Legislature has cut over 25% of school budgets across the state, resulting in public and charter schools increasing class sizes.  Kindergarten through third grades are critical years.  This is when students learn the building blocks of reading and math.  Across the state, K-3 class sizes have swelled to 30 or more students, denying children a chance to learn and teachers a chance to teach.

95% of Arizona students are enrolled in public and charter schools, if we want a school system that ensures a high quality education, attracts and grows businesses, allows us to compete on a global level, we have to invest where the students are.

The Quality Education and Jobs Initiative protects and stabilizes our education funding from the whims of politicians.

We will never have a great state without this investment.  Every Arizona resident is impacted by the quality of our schools.  Voices for Education urges you to vote "YES" on 204.

Great communities build great schools.

Robin Hiller, Executive Director, Voices for Education, Tucson	Daniel J. Benavidez, Governing Board, Voices for Education, Tucson
Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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I am proud to support Proposition 204, also known as the Quality Education and Jobs Citizens Initiative.

Arizona needs to plan for the future now to create a stronger economy. Proposition 204 will improve the quality of Arizona's education system by providing dedicated funding for schools and classrooms. Strengthening education will make our state more competitive when it comes to attracting and keeping high wage jobs. Proposition 204 will create a funding floor that allows us to grow our education system and make it capable of producing students ready to tackle the challenges and demands of the workforce of the 21st century.

In addition to supporting public education, Proposition 204 will prohibit the Legislature from their continual raids of the Highway User Revenue Funds, forcing city councils and boards of supervisors to divert funding to pay for infrastructure projects, and away from public safety and other city services. Prop 204 will create a "State Infrastructure Fund" that may be used for road, rail, transit, and other improvements, helping to increase and ensure the quality of life Arizona residents deserve.

Please join with me in voting YES for Proposition 204, voteYES for better schools, stronger infrastructure, and a brighter future for Arizona.

Charles Vierhout, Avondale City Councilman, Avondale

Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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As former Chairman of the Arizona Board of Regents I have observed the painful impacts of the last four years of historic and destabilizing budget cuts to our schools. Our policy makers have had to navigate a recession, but the cuts were deeper than they needed to be. And they were in violation of the moral commitment to the Arizona voters who passed Prop 100 four years ago believing that this money would go to schools - only to see it committed to other priorities.

But there can be no priority greater than education in our knowledge based economy. Our competitors are making massive commitments to education and increasing the educational quality of their students and output of their education systems. Meanwhile, the United States has stalled, and Arizona is among the bottom of the states.

History is replete with examples of societies who have lead - then withered when unable to adapt to changes in the economy. The reality is that we can't compete with most of the world on cost so we must compete on value, by producing the ideas, goods and services the rest of the world will buy. This takes an educated workforce and that's why much of the world has decided to make that policy choice, and investment.

The Quality Education and Jobs initiative makes the financial investment and assures the necessary standards and accountability for the results we need in Arizona. That it also invests in badly needed college financial aid for the smartest students who otherwise can't afford to improve their skills, and in the infrastructure that will create jobs and make Arizona more competitive -- are additional compelling reasons for an affirmative vote.

Fred DuVal, Former Chairman, Arizona Board of Regents, Member, Greater Phoenix Leadership, Former Commissioner, Arizona Commerce and Economic Development Commission, Phoenix

Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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As real estate agents and Arizona homeowners, we support the Quality Education and Jobs Initiative because there is a direct connection between quality public schools and neighborhood property values. This initiative gives us all an opportunity to strengthen and refocus our investment in our most tangible community assets--our property values, our workforce and our local economy.

In our profession, we have seen families reluctant to move to Arizona because they have heard about our declining investment in our schools.  Our national reputation in this area is costing us--not only in our home values, but also in our ability to attract and retain businesses and top-quality professional services.

With a full 25% of the population in Arizona under the age of 18, a lack of investment in education will continue to plague Arizona and hinder its economic and real estate recovery.  We have relied on Arizona's past growth to keep our real estate market sound in the past, but this era is behind us.  It is time to make a positive investment in our kids, our neighborhoods and our economic future.

Linda S. Gee, Tucson Realtor, Tucson	Kimberlyn Drew, Tucson Realtor, Tucson
Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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Yes on Proposition 204!

The Arizona Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest professional association of social workers in Arizona.NASW advocates for policies and practices that ensure vulnerable populations receive necessary and appropriate support services, including adequate health care.NASW promotes the passage of the Quality Education and Jobs voter initiative--Proposition 204.

Human service professionals know that children must have good health and live in a safe home environment to succeed in school. One barrier to good health is access to health care services, which is compounded by the method of health care coverage in the United States. Private, employment-based insurance and publicly funded programs (i.e. Medicaid) provide the bulk of coverage. Children in modest-income working families, however, are not adequately served by this approach. Proposition 204 provides $25 million yearly to fund the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), allowing more children to access the health care services they need to live healthy lives. Proposition 204 also provides $100 million to the Family Stability and Self-Sufficiency Fund. This provides for essential services to children and their families including meals and services to increase the stability of home environments.

Arizona needs to rebuild programs serving our vulnerable children. Proposition 204 funded programs and services is a step in the right direction, and crucial to Arizona's future.

Suzanne Schunk, LCSW, President, National Association of Social Workers Arizona Chapter, Tempe	Jeremy D. Arp, MSW, Executive Director, National Association of Social Workers Arizona Chapter, Tempe
Paid for by National Association of Social Workers Arizona Chapter

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The last few years have shown the real colors of our cowardly State Legislature.  Facing challenges unprecedented in state history, those who are supposedly elected to represent us choose cowardice, not leadership.  Instead of making tough choices and leading our state out of this crisis, the legislature cuts programs, placing the burden of economic catastrophe on the backs of this State's poor.  Instead of working to make Arizona a state that will attract business and prosperity, they have made us a national joke that is more concerned with fiddling around while the State burns, chasing after undocumented workers instead of chasing after job creation.

Proposition 204 will be a good first step in taking back control. Arizona's education system has been made close to inadequate because of years of cuts to the system, tying the hands of teachers and letting our students down.  Now it is high time for US to tie the hands of the legislature, by funding education the way we see fit. Prop 204 will allow Arizona's schools to have a dedicated source of revenue, while preventing legislature cuts to classroom spending.

Join me in standing up and showing the leadership this State deserves, and our legislature is unable to provide, by votingYES for Quality Education and Jobs, voteYES for Proposition 204.

Lydia Guzman, Community Advocate, Glendale

Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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We support Prop 204 because we believe education is key to our state's economic recovery. Our state's leaders have been making drastic cuts to our public schools since the recession began, so it isn't surprising that Arizona's recovery has been slow.

This proposal will create a source of funding for our public schools that the state legislature cannot touch. By adequately funding public education we are putting more money back into our communities and Arizona's economic recovery.

Strong schools that are properly funded will create a strong educated labor force. This means more companies will look at locating here in our state and bring more money into our economy.

Even before the recession hit, Arizona was last in the nation when it came to per pupil spending. We are competing in a global economy now and we cannot afford to fall behind by limiting resources to our future workers.

Support Prop 204 and invest in the future of Arizona.

Teri Laguna, President, FWEA, Tucson	Nicole J. Cozad-Pearce, President, Marana Education Association, Tucson
Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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    Former Teacher Supports Prop 204 Education Funding

I am a former teacher. Being in the classroom for more than 25 years taught me firsthand the importance of adequate school staffing, class size, school facilities, teacher training and evaluation, technical support, curriculum development, and supplies. All of these elements to an education system cost money, so it is absolutely galling to me that the Arizona legislature is allocating funds for K-12 education at a per pupil rate that is at the bottom of the 50 states.

The legislature has cut one billion dollars in education funding over the past four years. And the legislators wonder why parents, teachers, and business leaders support a citizens' initiative to stabilize school funding. If the legislature does not understand the importance of public education, then the citizens of the state will take the matter into their own hands.

Common sense should tell us all that quality education is critical for the state's economy and quality of life. Arizona will not produce quality jobs without a well-educated population. The future of Arizona will be much brighter with the Quality Education and Jobs Initiative.

Connie Kaasa, Phoenix

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    Ballot Argument - Quality Education and Jobs Voter Initiative

Since 1981, Southwest Human Development has strived to give children throughout central and northern Arizona an optimal start in life by establishing a strong foundation for their future development. As Arizona's largest nonprofit provider of early childhood programs and services that serves 135,000 children and families each year, we have seen a steady decrease in funding for critical state-level programs that our children need.

We greatly support the upcoming Quality Education and Jobs voter initiative--Proposition 204. Without raising taxes and by using 2010 voter-approved revenues for programs like KidsCare and other early childhood support services, we will start to rebuild these important programs that have seen funding cuts since 2008, or have even been eliminated altogether.

In order to be ready to learn and succeed in school, children need good health, nutrition and a safe, nurturing home environment. This initiative will bring in $25 million annually to help fund the Children's Health Insurance Program, providing more children with the adequate health care they need to live healthy, productive lives. Additionally, it will provide $100 million to the Family Stability and Self-Sufficiency Fund, ensuring children and their families have the support they need to put food on the table and live in a stable home environment.

Please join us in supporting the Quality Education and Jobs initiative. These much-needed programs and services are vital to the success of children throughout our communities.

Ginger Ward, Founder & CEO, Southwest Human Development, Phoeinx	Suzanne Schunk, Director, Southwest Human Development, Phoeinx
Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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As Arizonans have struggled with poor economic conditions these past few years, the need for healthcare and social services has risen dramatically. Unfortunately, the care needed by many of our children has been significantly cut back in the face of budget cuts. Here at Empowerment Systems we see families everyday who face serious challenges accessing even basic services. We support Quality Education and Jobs, or Proposition 204, because this initiative will establish secure funding for programs such as KidsCare. It will help individuals and families access the kinds of education, health and employment opportunities that offer the best chance for them to lead dignified, independent lives, instead of continuing to rely on government support. If we fail in getting this voter initiative through now, programs like KidsCare will be phased out, leaving thousands of children without the preventative checkups, immunizations and healthcare that they need. Sadly, even though the program would be gone, the health issues of these children will not. Without assistance, these families will be burdened further, resulting in higher costs for all of us as they turn to Emergency Rooms for any health concerns. Let's not leave this State's children behind. Support Proposition 204 by voting YES for the health of our kids.

Jack Beveridge, President & CEO, Empowerment Systems, Inc., Apache Junction	Ruthanne Wahlheim, Chief Operating Officer, Empowerment Systems, Inc., Apache Junction
Paid for by Empowerment Systems, Inc.

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I am a parent and work every day in a Mesa public school. As a skilled craftsman, I do work on every campus in the district. I am proud to support Proposition 204 because I witness the great work being done in these schools every day. My work is meaningful to me because education is a priority to me. I believe that ensuring every child gets the education they need to become responsible and productive members of society is a value all American citizens hold. That's why it's important to pass Proposition 204 and assume or civic responsibility for our public schools. Together we can create bigger brighter futures for our children.

Richard Berumen, Mesa

Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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    Protect Arizona's Future, Invest in Educating Children

Unfortunately, our state legislature does not make public education a priority, which is why, we, as voters, need to stand up for children and pass the Quality Education and Jobs initiative.

Despite Proposition 100's passage to protect public education in May 2010, since 2009, base per pupil funding for K-12 education has not increased.  In addition, this year's budget had $50 million for new prisons and $0 for new schools.  The legislature funded only $12 million of $240 million for school repairs, which is causing many districts to pull classroom funds to pay for repairing or replacing items like air conditioners.   We also remain the only state in the country not fully funding Children's health insurance (KidsCare), despite a 2 to 1 federal match.

The Quality Education and Jobs Initiative does not change your taxes; it continues the one cent sales tax approved in 2010. But, unlike Prop. 100, citizens wrote it, not the legislature, so it has far better protections:

1. It prevents cuts to base K-12 funding levels.

2. It mandates annually increasing education funding by inflation or two percent, whichever is lower.

3. The initiative's revenues supplement base funding levels.  The legislature cannot use this funding to replace base funding amounts.

4. It requires the State Board of Education to set goals and assess progress statewide in student achievement, parent satisfaction and student engagement.

5. It funds all public schools, including charter schools.

6. It creates more university scholarships.

7. It provides career and vocational educational funding.

8. And, it assures Arizona funds KidsCare.

Please join me in supporting the Quality Education and Jobs Initiative!

Dave Wells, Parent, Tempe Union Governing Board Candidate, Tempe

Paid for by Friends of Dave Wells

As a parent and a teacher my children are my number one priority. I want what is best for them, which means strong schools with high standards, effective teachers, and a safe and supportive learning environment. Prop 204 will provide our schools, our teachers, and our children with the support they need to be successful.

Jessica Mahan, Peoria

Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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    Gallego Ballot Argument

As a state legislator, I have fought hard to protect education. However, my legislative colleagues have fallen short time and time again, so I need you to support Proposition 204, otherwise known as the Quality Education and Jobs Act, which will create protected funding for our schools and roads without increasing taxes.  For far too long, money that should go to education been taken to be used for other purposes.  These cuts hurt the children of our state. Schools across Arizona suffer from not enough resources and crowded classrooms.  This initiative will not just safeguard funding for our schools, it will send a clear message to the legislature that Arizonans support public education.  The time is now for us to take a stand.

Infrastructure will also receive dedicated funding through this measure.  In doing so, we will create much needed jobs in construction through the building up of our infrastructure.  If we allow our roads to become neglected, employers will be unwilling to come to this State, or stay, if our infrastructure is crumbling or non-existent.

We need to invest in our highways, our roads, support better schools for our children, as well as create jobs to get our State working again.  Arizona's future is in hands.  I am proud to support the Quality Education & Jobs Act. Please join me in voting YES for Proposition 204. 

Ruben Gallego, State Representative, Arizona House of Representatives, District 27, Phoenix

Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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Pro argument, Quality Education & Jobs

Arizona has been relying on such means as tax abatements that basically force companies to subsidize their competitors, which is wrong. What employers, especially high-tech employers, want is an educated work force. This proposition makes funds available for elementary and secondary schools, public and charter, with accountability, as well as for colleges, universities, and career education. There are also funds allocated for highways and bridges, health care and other assistance for those in poverty, and to retain and pay DPS officers. Such countries as Taiwan and South Korea have found that investment in education makes the economy stronger, and I am confident it will do so in Arizona as well.

Albert H. Wigchert, Phoenix

Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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I support Prop 204 because it's the right thing to do. Year after the year the Arizona Legislature has cut education funding. This initiative will not only provide funding to our schools, but it also protects that funding from legislative cuts. Arizona citizens know investing in public education is important even if our legislators do not.

Esmeralda Bates, San Tan Valley

Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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Quality Education and Jobs Ballot Argument

I am a teacher in the Tucson Unified School District and I support Prop 204 because it will ensure that Arizona students get the quality education they deserve. I take the responsibility of educating my students very seriously and welcome the opportunity this initiative provides to hold all teachers accountable for the academic success of their students and it provides the funding to make sure teachers have the tools and resources they need to get the job done right.

Jason Freed, Tucson

Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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When voters unanimously approved the temporary one cent sales tax in 2010, they did so because of their commitment to fund education in this state and prevent more drastic cuts to our schools.  Voter initiative Proposition 204 will make sure that the money raised by the one cent sales tax can only be spent on education and infrastructure.  This means within a year of voter approval, our education system will receive funding dedicated for its use, and our road construction and repair will be funded to make sure that our Arizona's highways remain safe and in good condition.

Under Prop 204, all of this is done WITHOUT raising any taxes.  It takes the revenue that is already coming in and puts it aside in special funds which cannot be touched or used for other projects.  This will allow us to create a much stronger funding base to grow and develop our education system into the coming future.

This isn't a silver bullet.  Education still has a long way to go to put us on a competitive edge in this global economy.  But it is a strong step forward to making Arizona into a destination for jobs and talent.  Arizona ranks at the bottom of classroom spending in the nation.  Proposition 204 will put more money back into the classroom, ensuring that Arizona's students will have the resources to become the leaders of tomorrow.

A brighter future for our state without raising taxes-that's a win for Arizona.  Join us in voting YES on Proposition 204.

Steve Gallardo, State Senator, Arizona State Senate, Board Member, Cartwright School Board, Tolleson	Martin Quezada, State Representative, Arizona House of Representatives, Board Member, Pendergast School Board, Phoenix
Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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As members of a organization composed of retired public school employees from all across the state of Arizona,AEA-Retired members are uniquely qualified to know the needs of Arizona's students. We have seen the catastrophic results for students of huge budget cuts to education. Class sizes have ballooned, classroom resources have dwindled, and programs that enrich students' lives, such as music and art, have been eliminated. As retirees, we know the importance of a well educated workforce in the economic development of our state. As professional educators, we know the vital role that funding plays in providing a quality education for all students.

Over the past few years, the Arizona Legislature has cut billions of dollars from K-12 and higher education in our state, resulting in huge class sizes, lack of resources for the classroom, and higher tuition for college students. The only bright spot has been the temporary one-cent sales tax for education that the voters approved in 2010. Unfortunately, that tax is due to expire in 2014, and if we do nothing to help public education, we will see even more draconian cuts that will be devastating to our students and our state. That is whyAEA-Retired is supporting the Quality Education and Jobs Act. TheQEJ extends the one-cent sales tax indefinitely and ensures that the Legislature must use those funds only for public education (K-12 and Higher Ed), children's health care, and investing in Arizona's infrastructure.

Arizonan's already demonstrated their support for our public schools by approving the temporary one-cent tax. We, the retired teachers and school employees, urge you to continue your support for our public schools and the students that they serve. Invest in the future of our children and the future of our state. Vote "YES" on Prop 204.

Linda A. Somo, President, AEA-Retired, Mesa	Steven Ramos, Representative At-Large, AEA-Retired, Mesa
Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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As leaders of public school parent organizations, we have committed many volunteer hours to helping schools in our respective districts.  In this front-line role, it is abundantly clear to us that public education in Arizona is insufficiently funded. We submit that any citizen who becomes educated on this issue will find it is an unimpeachable fact there is a lack of stable state funding for our public schools. Education funding in Arizona must change for the system to improve and adapt to the needs of students in the 21st century.

This citizen-initiated proposition, to continue the current one-cent sales tax, will do for Arizona what our state legislature has not done -- invest in public education.

For Arizona to be competitive, a high quality public education system is essential to attract and retain desirable employers. Currently, the lack of commitment to education in Arizona is a substantial deterrent to the much-needed business investment, which is vital to the future of our state.  Proposition 204 is a crucial investment in education.

Public education is vital to the 80% of all students in Arizona who attend public schools and serves all of these students regardless of their abilities.  High quality public education is fundamental to any vibrant state.  Continuing this one-cent sales tax, which will establish baseline funding at current levels, for our public education system will benefit all Arizonans and will result in an impressive return on our investment.

As parents, citizens, and taxpayers, we know ensuring quality education and jobs is the key to prosperity. Join us in voting yes on Proposition 204.

Doreen Zannis, Executive Director, Support Our SchoolsAz, Phoenix	Kim Price-Olsen, Co-Founder, Peoria United Parent Council, Phoenix
Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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Education is a number one priority in our community and we are tired of seeing our legislators not supporting what we value the most. The time to support our public schools is now and if our elected leaders won't fund public education, then we the citizens must take on this responsibility.

This initiative will ensure a stable funding source for our public schools. One that the legislature cannot cut. The legislature has cut one billion dollars in school funding over the past four years and passing this initiative will stop the legislature from making further cuts.

So many people in our community have lost their jobs and homes, but the one thing we won't lose is our value in a good education for our children.

There are a number of new unfunded education reforms to ensure accountability. This initiative will fund some of those reforms and provide support to teachers in the classroom to improve student success.

We care about our students and our communities and that's why we are asking for your support. Vote yes on Prop 204.

Maria V. Leyva, President, Deer Valley Education Association, Glendale	Nikki Frye, President, Dysart Education Association, Surprise	Michelle Robertson, President, Cartwright Education Association, Glendale	Estevan Carreon, President, Glendale Union Education Association, Glendale
Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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Support Arizona's children, support Prop 204. This economic recession and the cuts to healthcare and education funding have hit hardest on our state's most vulnerable population - our children.

With the cuts to KidsCare we have seen many students in Phoenix school districts lose access to healthcare. This initiative will protect the health of children living in poverty so they can succeed in school by providing funds for KidsCare, which offers health care and nutrition for disadvantaged children. Children can't learn if they are sick or hungry and this initiative will help children in need focus on being successful in the classroom.

We know early childhood education builds a foundation for education excellence in our students. This initiative will also provide funds allowing public and charter schools to offer voluntary preschool programs for low-income students.

The initiative will help children be ready to learn by creating a Family Stability and Self-Sufficiency Fund to provide grants to help reduce hunger, homelessness, and family violence. In addition, the initiative will provide childcare for some low-income working families and single parents.

I urge you to voteYES on Prop 204.

Lindsay Farr, Vice President, Madison District CTA, Phoenix	Thomas Roy Oviatt Jr., President, PUHSP CEA, Peoria
Paid for by Quality Education and Jobs Committee

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Arizonans recognize that quality education is the key to our collective future.

They know that education is not only critical to our children and their success, but is equally key to all of us as we train Arizona's future workforce.

Unfortunately, education has not been the priority of our elected leaders. For the past decade, the Legislature has failed to make the kinds investment in education Arizona needs to compete with not just other states, but other countries in this global economy.

That's why a number of groups representing various business, parent and education community perspectives have come together to place the Quality Education and Jobs initiative on the ballot.

On the previous pages, you have read statements by many of the initiative supporters. But this is just a fraction of the organizations that have endorsed Quality Education and Jobs citizen initiative, which includes, among others:

Greater Phoenix Leadership

Southern Arizona Leadership Council

Arizona Chapter, Associated General Contractors of America

League of Women Voters of Arizona

Arizona Hispanic Community Forum

Association for Supportive Child Care

Children's Action Alliance

Arizona Builders Alliance

Tucson Utility Contractors Association

Friends of the Arizona School Board Association

Arizona PTA

National Utility Contractors Association of Arizona

American Council of Engineering Companies of Arizona

Associated Minority Contractors of America

Chicanos por la Causa

Dignity Healthcare

Arizona Education Parent Network

Arizona Education Association

Arizona Students Association

Arizona School Retirees Association

Metropolitan Education Commission

Peoria United Parents Council

Support Our Schools-Arizona

The Navajo Nation

Arizona Community Action Association

Arizona Council of Human Service Providers

Arizona Child Care Association

For a more complete list, visit the campaign Website at QualityEducationAndJobs.com.

Thank you.

Adam Lopez-Falk, Campaign Manager, Quality Education and Jobs, Phoenix

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