Parental Choice in Education Funding

The discussion centers on the implications of allowing education funding to follow students, particularly in Arizona's universal Education Savings Account (ESA) program. Critics argue that this approach harms public schools and budgets; however, Arizona's ESA is only a small portion of the overall budget, roughly 1%. This program distinguishes itself as universal since it provides funding to all parents regardless of income or school performance, contrasting with other states' programs. The rapid uptake of this program has led to claims of budgetary strain, but it is essential to recognize that funding follows students, allowing local districts to retain funding for empty seats.