State Sen. Vince Leach, R-Tucson, told The Center Square he was confused as to why Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed his bill, Senate Bill 1050, which sought to provide additional funding for state K-12 classrooms.
SB 1050 would have prevented the decrease of tax revenues meant for school districts within the Government Property Lease Excise Tax program.
This program permits Arizona towns and cities to lease state-owned property to private parties for commercial, residential or industrial purposes. GPLET also allows these private parties to have certain tax exemptions.
According to the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, 49% of property taxes in Arizona fund public schools.
Arizona ranks 49th in America in public school funding. Consumers Affairs released a report last year showing Arizona ranked dead last in America for states for public education.
