Two campaigns are vying for Arizona voters’ attention regarding the state’s school voucher program amidst allegations of misconduct. As both groups push for reforms, tensions have surfaced with accusations of unethical behavior.
Protect Education Now, supported by the Arizona Education Association and Save Our Schools Arizona, aims to implement stricter controls on the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts. Proposed changes include aligning private schools with public school standards and imposing a $150,000 income cap for participating families.
A rival proposal, Fortify AZ, is spearheaded by the pro-voucher American Federation for Children. While both initiatives seek to prevent voucher misuse identified by 12News investigations, Fortify AZ excludes the income cap proposed by Protect Education Now, aligning with a previously unsuccessful plan by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.
The Allegations
Both campaigns are in a race to collect 256,000 signatures by July 2 to secure their spot on the November ballot. Protect Education Now, having gathered 150,000 signatures, alleges that Fortify AZ is undermining their efforts through obstruction and misinformation.
Claims include Fortify AZ signature gatherers physically blocking and misinforming voters, as detailed in a cease-and-desist letter from Jim Barton, representing Protect Education Now. Barton argues these acts breach state laws against coercion or threats during petition processes.
An incident cited in the letter involves a Fortify AZ gatherer misleading voters by suggesting the two campaigns’ petitions are identical. Barton also accuses Fortify AZ of mimicking Protect Education Now’s petition language to cause voter confusion. Fortify AZ dismissed these allegations as baseless.
Signature Poaching
The conflict extends to the signature gathering firms contracted by each campaign. Protect Education Now’s contractor, Fieldworks, claims Fortify AZ’s contractor, AZ Petition Partners, is enticing their workers with higher wages and bonuses for switching sides.
Allegations include offers of $45 per hour, significantly more than the $22-$25 offered by Fieldworks. Fieldworks asserts noncompete agreements were ignored, and attempts to lure circulators violate contractual obligations.
While Petition Partners did not comment, Fortify AZ defended their competitive pay strategy, emphasizing fair compensation for hard work. Barton did not specify if legal action would follow if Fortify AZ persists with the contested activities.
—
Read More Arizona News
