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Arizona Hispanic Community Affected by School Choice Debate

For Immediate Release
August 18, 2017

Media Contact: Brian Faughnan, 202-805-1581 or Wadi Gaitan, 202-853-4463

(Washington, D.C.) – The office of Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan is currently evaluating a petition submitted by opponents of Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. The petition calls for a 2018 referendum to block the expansion of this educational opportunity initiative, which – if allowed to be implemented – would greatly benefit the state’s Hispanic community. If the Secretary of State rules that a sufficient number of valid signatures has been submitted, Arizona voters would vote next year on whether to allow the ESA expansion to go into effect.

Daniel Garza, President of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:

“Too many Arizona students suffer from being stuck in underperforming or failing schools, or schools that simply fail to properly serve their educational needs. Sadly, many Hispanic families – and others – lack the resources to choose a better or more appropriate school. The legislature of Arizona and the governor worked together to expand the state’s existing ESA program to promote educational opportunity, and to give hard-pressed families a way to help their children be better prepared to achieve the American Dream. Sadly, special interest groups pursuing their own partisan agendas are now attempting to derail these reforms, and return our kids to the same failing schools. We are hopeful that a proper review of these petitions will allow the expanded ESA program to be implemented. Or, failing that, that Arizona voters affirm the decision by the state government to expand educational opportunity to all kids who may benefit from it.”

For interviews with a representative from The LIBRE Initiative, please contact Brian Faughnan, 202-805-1581 or Wadi Gaitan, 202-853-4463

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