February 3, 2022
To: Governor Ducey, Speaker Bowers & President Fann
Subject: Aggregate Expenditure Limit and K-12 district school special education students
Now is the time to show Arizona how much you care for the well-being of our special education students. Act now and waive the Aggregate Expenditure Limit to ensure district schools receive the $1.1 billion budgeted for the remainder of the school year.
Inaction will be nothing short of disastrous for Arizona’s 116,000 K-12 special education students who rely on certainty, routine, and familiar staff who understand their needs. Putting these students through draconian budget cuts due to the out-of-date Aggregate Expenditure Limit would be nothing less than cruel, especially after two years of turmoil due to the pandemic.
A stable school environment is fundamental for our special education students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. With ongoing and one-time budget surpluses worth billions of dollars, Arizona has the resources to guarantee this funding.
As the state’s political leaders, we are calling on you to resolve this issue with your legislative colleagues. Provide certainty to Arizona’s special education students. They are counting on you.
Contact: Amanda Steele, President, a.steele@epicdisability.org
EPIC Disability Advocacy is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization whose vision is that all persons with disabilities will have access to the resources, programs, and services needed to reach their full potential.