Dear friends,

The clock is ticking.

In 20 days, 9 hours and 50 minutes, Arizona public schools will hit a spending cap set by the legislature.

When they do, they’ll be unable to spend funds they already have — forcing them to lay off teachers and staff, cut programs or even end the school year early. 

The legislature has raised the spending cap in the past without much fuss. But this year, the Republican majority in the legislature has flatly refused to act. Instead, they’re busy spreading lies about the 2020 election, banning books and attacking LGBTQ students.

Arizona schools are facing a severe teacher shortage as it is, along with all the challenges associated with the pandemic. Now, on top of all that, schools could be forced to close early because of an arbitrary law preventing them from spending money they already have. It’s absurd.

Thanks for all that you do.

Sincerely,

Emily Kirkland
Executive Director, Progress Arizona

PS: We’re also raising funds to take out a billboard by the Arizona Capitol with a live countdown, so that legislators are continually reminded of the urgent need to lift the cap. We’re only $800 short of our goal – give now and help us make it happen!