Prop. 208 would increase income tax to those making $250,000 a year and would distribute the revenue to teachers and education programs.
ARIZONA, USA — Proposition 208 is looking to increase funding for teachers and education programs and will be appearing on the ballot in the coming elections, which proposes a tax increase on the top 1% of earners in the state to increase funding of Arizona’s schools.
Here’s everything you need to know before you vote NO on Proposition 208:
What would a “yes” vote means to you?
This would signify you support a 3.5 % income tax “surcharge” on individual earnings above $250,000 and on married couples earning more than $500,000. That would raise the maximum income tax rate for high earners to 8%. Which is the same type of strategy California is using to drive their high earners out in massive numbers.
What would a “no” vote means to you?
This would signify that you oppose the initiative to increase taxes by a 3.5 % income tax “surcharge.”
The details of Prop. 208:
The proposition would enact a 3.5% tax, in addition to the 4.5% income tax already in place, for individuals making an income of $250,000 (or $500,000 if under a joint filing), the top 1% of earners in Arizona.
The revenue from the tax increase would fully go towards Arizona schools.
A breakdown of the revenue distribution includes:
- 50% of the funding going towards hiring and increasing the base compensation for teachers and classroom support personnel, such as nurses and counselors.
- 25% going towards hiring and increasing the base compensation of student support services, such as classroom aides and transportation.
- 12% would go towards funding the Career Training and Workforce Fund, which establishes career and technical programs for grades 9-12 (including vocational training programs, mentoring, and mental health services).
- 10% going towards mentoring and retention programs for new teachers.
- 3% would go towards the Arizona Teachers Academy to increase scholarship funding amounts.
You can see the entire proposition here.
Who created Prop. 208?
Proposition 208 was created by the Invest in Education Political Action Committee (PAC). Amber Gould, a high school teacher at Glendale Union High School District and the Arizona director of the National Education Association, is chairperson of the PAC.
The PAC has received over $4.67 million in contributions. You can see their full income and expenditure records on the Arizona Secretary of State’s election fund’s portal here.
Who is opposing Prop. 208?
The Commercial Real Estate Development Association, Arizona Chapter has been vocal in their opposition of the proposition.
State Gov. Doug Ducey has also verbally opposed the initiative.
What is the problem with Prop. 208?
The biggest problem I see with proposition 208 is the same problem with all of these propositions and or government programs, their mismanagement of the funds. Here’s what I mean, one of the reasons we even have a lottery in Arizona was to provide funding for teachers and education programs. However, since the Arizona Lottery’s launch on July 1, 1981, its sales revenue has totaled $11 billion, with nearly $3.5 billion of that directed back into state funds and programs. While a majority — and growing — portion of that money has gone into the general fund where the governor and Legislature can spend it as they choose, and guess? Just a small sliver of those billions has actually made it to help our teachers or our schools. See the article by AZCentral for a complete breakdown. And I could be mistaken, but I believe gamblers, for gambling addiction, received more funding than our schools and teachers. And according to the Phoenix Business Journal, the Arizona Lottery has hit a historic milestone — surpassing more than $1 billion in sales. BTW, I expect that to be much higher in 2020 thanks to the Covid19 pandemic. Anyway, with all this revenue the lawmakers of our great state still can’t find the needed funds to help out our teachers and our broken school system. Why? Because it’s not a priority to them, why? Because most of their kids don’t attend our public schools they attend private schools. Which is why the also oppose the Prop. 208, they’re already paying higher rates for their kids schools so they have no incentive to help out the rest of the families in Arizona.
Do Arizona Teachers Deserve More Money?
YES! Of course, they do. But Arizona simply doesn’t regard education as a priority. That’s why our broken school system ranks 49 out of 50 according to many sources including Wallethub.
WalletHub ranked Arizona as the No. 49 state for public education out of the 50 states plus Washington D.C.
How Do We Fix Our Schools?
- Better budget/money management not higher taxes is the answer.
- Vote for politicians, lawmakers, and representative that will make our schools a priority.
