|
Make no mistake: We are in a critical moment if we are going to ensure that Arizona hits the bipartisan Achieve60AZ goal, which aims to ensure that 60 percent of Arizonans attain a degree or workforce certification by 2030. With only five years to go, we are only at 48 percent. Hitting this mark (or failing to) will determine whether Arizona has the skilled workforce necessary to meet the demands of employers. By doing so, Arizona will also create billions of dollars for our state. Unlocking those billions will empower our future elected leaders to put forward much more ambitious budgets.
Education Forward Arizona recognizes that state budgets are a product of both the governor and the legislature. This is why we are being clear that the Gov.’s budget proposal restores some essential funding for education, and we applaud that effort. Still, the urgency of hitting the Achieve60AZ goal requires more. We have seen that increasing Arizona’s attainment rate may take millions in investments, but the return on those investments is projected to be billions of dollars.
That’s the kind of return on investment Arizona needs to be competitive economically with other states and to ensure the quality of life of all Arizonans.
| 
