The Home Builders Association of Central Arizona has supported the funding of Arizona’s education system to ensure that we have an educated and qualified work force to ensure a vibrant economy for Arizona. Unfortunately, Proposition 204 does nothing to achieve those goals. We oppose Prop 204 for the following reasons:

It is a permanent one percent sales tax increase that is not a comprehensive approach to improving education in Arizona.

It lacks the ability to change the use of the funds if Arizona’s priority changes.

Vote No On 204

It allows for rewards to be distributed to schools regardless of performance level without specifying new programs or alternatives for failing schools to improve.

Was drafted in secret without public input or discussion with those who were elected by the voters to decide how the state budget is funded.

Allows a few groups to determine how funding for education, healthcare and transportation are determined while tying the hands of those who were elected to make such decisions.

Let the temporary sales tax increase expire as the voters desired when they approved the tax increase in 2010. Now is not the time to raise taxes as mandated by this ill advised plan.

Vote No on Prop 204

Connie Wilhelm, President, Home Builders Association of Central Arizona, Phoenix

Spencer Kamps, Vice President of Legislative Affairs, Home Builders Association of Central Arizona, Phoenix

The legislature will not adequately fund public education. Unfortunately they have the votes to cut taxes on those most able to pay and to increase vouchers and tax credits for private schools if we impose an education sales tax.

The legislature made revenue cuts as soon as the last temporary education tax passed. This time they promised to cut income taxes by an amount equal to the revenue from the sales tax if it passes. And they will give other tax breaks to the wealthy and divert more money to private schools.

Vote NO on 204!

BEWARE! Tax cuts would be forever because it requires a super majority to impose taxes.

Passing this sales tax would shift taxes from those most able to pay to a regressive sales tax that hurts low-income people. Higher sales taxes cut retail sales that are vital for our economic recovery.

If we refuse to bail out the legislature with this sales tax, they will have to face the public outrage (and not be elected) if they make destructive cuts in education funding.

The revenue would not cover all critical education needs. Unfortunately the proposition dictates which items to fund. This would prevent using the money for more critical needs that are not on the list. Voters are not qualified to decide how to allocate all this money.

Many supporters admit that they do not understand the important details of this proposition. So they depend on what the promoters say. Before you vote, meet with others who want quality education and are willing to pay for it with appropriate taxes. Study the issues. Listen to arguments for and against this tax.

Millions of these education dollars would be diverted to fund Arizona roads. Outrageous!

Ruth Stokes, Tucson