A New Vision for Education - Dustin Cox for House

www.DustinCox2010.com

If there is anything that Arizonans can agree on, it's that every Arizonan should have an equal right to a quality public education. That is an Arizonan value.

And yet, one of the biggest threats to the future of Arizona is the continued lack of funding for public education, at all levels. While education is the largest contributor to the well being of our state's economy, the GOP-led legislature has continued its campaign against public education, slashing funding to levels that have left public schools all over the state on their knees. At the same time they have been cutting funding for public education, they are providing tax credits and loopholes for select businesses and private schools. That does not represent Arizona values.

Inadequate funding levels and the resulting poor graduation rates and test scores are infecting the economic health of Arizona communities. Arizona consistently ranks in the bottom few states when it comes to investing in our future through education. That does not represent Arizona values.

It is our responsibility to provide for the education of our children and young adults, not only so that they will grow to become productive members of society, but also to enrich the minds and lives of Arizonans. Those same young people will soon be the leaders and breadwinners of our communities. They will be charged with the stewardship of our state, its lands, its economy, and its families. We must pay our teachers livable and fair wages to reward those dedicated to our children, and to attract quality educators to our schools. We need to properly fund our kindergarten programs so that our youngest children are prepared to learn. We must provide books for every student in primary and secondary school. These are Arizona values.

Furthermore, Arizona's state universities -- The University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University -- are the three largest economic engines in our state. Arizona's institutions of higher education, including our community colleges, are producing educated, skilled, and productive workers for Arizona's businesses. That is why we must also invest in more need-based and merit-based financial aide to assure the success of our state's qualified students in higher education so that they will be prepared to lead and work effectively tomorrow.

Education is the way to a better future for all Arizonans.

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