As ESA Cuts Loom, Arizona Families Demand Accountability and Protection for Disabled Children's Services

Family at home in Arizona, child and caregiver reading.

ESA Cuts: A Concern for Arizona's Disability Community

As Arizona grapples with a significant shift in its Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, many families with children who have disabilities are voicing urgent concerns. Brandi Coon, an East Valley mother and the executive director of the Raising Voices Coalition, is leading the charge, demanding cuts to the ESA program to address financial mismanagement and protect vital services for disabled children.

Starting October 1, substantial reductions in essential services such as attendant care and habilitation will impact thousands of families. Coon's call for reform is driven by her own experiences, as she utilizes the ESA program for her son, Tyson. Unfortunately, reports highlight that some ESA funds have been misused for luxury purchases, undermining the integrity of the program, and further complicating funding for those who genuinely rely on it for educational purposes.

The Discussion Around Program Control

Governor Katie Hobbs has recognized these issues, proposing reasonable guardrails for the ESA program, including income limits designed to ensure resources reach those who need them most. This sentiment echoes through Coon's advocacy as she calls for a balanced approach that could ultimately strengthen support for the most vulnerable groups within the community.

Conflicting Perspectives and Proposed Changes

Despite the growing concerns, Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh has stood firm against amendments to the ESA, insisting that they have not adversely affected student choice. His assertion prompts further debate about how education and support for disabled students should be funded and managed. As the conversation evolves, families are anxious about the future of available services as funding sideswipes programs traditionally viewed as critical lifelines.

This issue raises significant questions about the sustainability of these programs and how to prevent misallocation of public funds while ensuring that Arizona’s most at-risk populations have access to the services they require.

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As ESA Cuts Loom, Arizona Families Demand Accountability and Protection for Disabled Children's Services

ESA Cuts: A Concern for Arizona's Disability Community

The Discussion Around Program Control

Conflicting Perspectives and Proposed Changes

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