Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s disputed effort to use federal COVID-19 relief money for a private school voucher program has funded fewer than 100 vouchers. That’s despite receiving more than 2,000 applications.
Ducey’s plan offers a $7,000 voucher to families whose child’s school requires masks so that they can attend school elsewhere. Critics say it's another example of Republicans trying to undermine public education.
The lackluster award of vouchers the Republican governor has touted as a needed lifeline comes as some parents complain of poor responses from Ducey’s office.
Records obtained by The Arizona Republic show some families awarded vouchers earn more than the threshold set by Ducey.
The governor also faces major pushback from the federal government for what officials say is an inappropriate use of federal COVID-19 relief funds.