Arizona House Appropriations chairman John Kavanagh (R-LD23/Fountain Hills) says Arizona spends too much money providing a university education to students. “Is that really a good way to spend money?” he asks.
While other states are seeking to lead the new economy by graduating increasing numbers of students from higher education, Rep. Kavanagh is arguing the exact opposite. He claims that Arizona is spending too much money providing a university education to students who don’t really need it.
Kavanagh's message to talented students unable to afford college is “tough luck.” He couldn’t be more wrong. Every bright student with motivation and talent should have the opportunity to go as far as their God-given talents will allow them to go.
This misguided attack on higher education is, in every practical sense, a Republican attack on opportunity.
After the massive cuts to K-12 schools, defunding all-day kindergarten, and ending the once-cent sales tax that funds our children’s schools, the last thing the folks at the Capitol should do is to set another tripwire on our children’s road to opportunity.
These attacks on opportunity have led to some of the largest cuts to education funding in the country, and they couldn’t come at a worse time – half of Arizona’s public high schools saw 5 percent or fewer of their graduates from the Class of 2006 earn a bachelor’s degree.
My message to Arizona voters is different. We can move AZ forward.
These attacks on opportunity have led to some of the largest cuts to education funding in the country, and they couldn’t come at a worse time – half of Arizona’s public high schools saw 5 percent or fewer of their graduates from the Class of 2006 earn a bachelor’s degree.
My message to Arizona voters is different. We can move AZ forward.
We can invest in our children's higher education and build the workforce that will draw high-tech businesses to invest in Arizona.
We can improve opportunities for the next generation. We must work hard now and not sit back to watch as others pass us on the road to success.
Fred DuVal is currently running for the Democratic nomination for Governor of Arizona. His campaign website is Fred2014.
