Breaking News - Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation

State group: Expect More for Education

May. 4th, 2010
William Roller

Expect More Arizona is touring with its statewide campaign urging voters to support political candidates who are champions of education. The Phoenix-based nonprofit, in partnership with business and civic leaders, brought its voter education forum to the Yuma Main Library on Tuesday. The session was not to give candidates a litmus test of what to do but make sure every Arizona candidate this year has a plan to strengthen education, said Paul Luna, chairman of Expect More. "Every year every candidates says they support education. But that's no longer good enough. We want to know how. Do candidates have specific details and long-term strategies? Are they willing to invest resources, time, energy and money to strengthen education long term?" The Vote 4 Education campaign is asking voters to consider four actions between now and the November election, Luna said. First they want a yes vote on Proposition 100, he said. "Voters need to understand it has a direct link to schools. For the next academic year, Prop 100 will raise $860 million for education." Also, they want voters to protect the voter-approved Early Childhood Health and Development Funds passed in 2006. That added a levy on tobacco products that established the First Things First initiative. This is one of the most important investments that ensures education and health of children from birth to 5, he added. Third, voters must make sure their candidates are making education their top priority. And finally, people must make certain they not only vote but rally 10 friends to vote for candidates who advocate for education, Luna stressed. Expect More is a nonpartisan, public-private partnership dedicated to preparing students for the job market, Luna said. "It is critically important everybody play a role to make education a hot-button issue for the 2010 election." Andrea Bereznak, APS community development consultant, said APS, as the state's largest electrical utility, is committed to creating a sustainable energy future. "But in order to do that, we need an innovative educated work force. We need to ensure our students are prepared whether they go to college, vocational school or the work force." As the county's second-largest employer, said Pat Walz, Yuma Regional Medical Center interim CEO, they require a highly qualified work force, many of whom they must recruit from out of state and must compete on a worldwide scale for doctors and nurses. But the first question they all seem to ask is what is the quality of education in Arizona, he said. "But if we continue to make the news about our cuts, it makes it more difficult to bring people in and get them to stay. That's the crux of the economic damage from cutting education." The key to long-term success is a strong education system and that's why Arizona must invest in it now, said John Morales, Yuma Private Industry Council executive director. And establishing a strong educational system ensures a ready stream of skilled individuals to diversify the economy. Julie Engel, CEO of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corp., said Prop 100 is a necessary first step to stop the state's fiscal hemorrhaging. "The number one impediment to attracting companies here is a lack of education resources. There is also a serious lack of commitment to education on the part of our elected leaders."

William Roller
Sun Staff Writer
The Sun
May. 4th, 2010

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