House Speaker Steve Montenegro has criticized a new union-backed ballot initiative aimed at Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA). He argues that the initiative seeks to dismantle the program, which provides educational choices for parents. According to Montenegro, this proposal is an attempt to force students back into district schools, which many families have opted out of.
“The ballot campaign announced by ESA opponents has one clear goal: to strip parents of the freedom to choose the best education for their children,” Montenegro said. He emphasized that the measure would undermine the ESA program and negatively impact thousands of students who benefit from it.
Montenegro accused ESA opponents of prioritizing educational bureaucracy over student needs. “This effort is not about accountability or improvement. It is a direct attack on parents—working families, military families, rural families, and families of children with special needs—who finally have options and refuse to give them up,” he said.
The Speaker linked this initiative to recent teacher sick-outs in Arizona that disrupted school operations. He claimed these actions were supported by those now pushing against school choice. “Make no mistake: they will not stop until families are once again forced into district systems where unions call the shots and parents have none,” he added.
Montenegro vowed that House Republicans would defend ESAs and ensure voters understand the implications of the proposed changes. “We stand with parents. We will defend ESAs. And we will make sure voters understand exactly what this ballot scheme would do to Arizona children and families.”
Steve Montenegro was elected as a Republican representative for Arizona’s 29th House District in 2023, succeeding Richard Andrade.
