PHOENIX — Would it fill a gaping financial hole for Arizona’s K-12 schools?
Would it drive out small businesses?
On this weekend’s “Sunday Square Off,” we debate the potential impact of Proposition 208, which would create a large new revenue stream for the state's school districts and charter schools.
Prop 208 goes before voters on the November statewide ballot. Early voting starts Wednesday.
Joining me on the show:
-On the “yes” side, David Lujan, director of the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, which advocates for raising the economic power of all Arizonans. The center is one of five organizations behind the initiative.
-On the “no” side, Kevin McCarthy, longtime president of the Arizona Tax Research Association, the Capitol’s leading tax watchdog, representing major corporations as well as individual taxpayers.
We cover a lot of ground:
-What Prop 208 would do
-Who would pay for it?
-How much money would it really deliver?
-Why is your side right?
-Viewer questions about the initiative
Where would Prop 208 money go?
The ballot initiative would boost pay for teachers, classroom support staff and school support staff. How could taxpayers be sure the money gets to the right people?
Can Prop 208 deliver what it promises?
An independent forecast projects schools would see new revenue of $827 million a year, but concedes the estimate is “speculative.” Here’s why.
Who would pay for Invest In Ed Act?
High wage earners would pay an income tax surcharge. So why do opponents claim small businesses would suffer?
Why each side says it’s right about Prop 208
We end the debate with viewer questions and a final word from each side explaining why it’s right.
You can read more about Prop 208 and Prop 207, the initiative that would legalize recreational marijuana, in the Arizona Secretary of State's "What's On My Ballot" pamphlet.
“Sunday Square Off” airs at 8 a.m. Sundays on 12 News, after NBC’s “Meet the Press,” with Chuck Todd.
