2018 AZ Governor's race: on Education

David Garcia: Make community college tuition-free for in-state students

Doug Ducey (R): Mixed. Cut college funding by $99 million in 2015. Increased by $32 million in 2016-2017, including $5 million for Koch Brothers-founded "economic freedom schools." Ended all state aid to Maricopa & Pima County community college systems.

David Garcia (D): Yes. Make college tuition-free for in-state students who attend local community colleges or trade schools. Then develop a plan to make 4-year schools free.

David Garcia: Expand Prop 301: sales tax for $500M for public schools

Doug Ducey (R): Mixed. Increased funding distributions from state land trust through Prop 123, though this erodes long-term reserves. Opposed initiative funding education by taxing individuals earning over $250,000 a year.

David Garcia (D): Yes. Would support extra funding by expanding Proposition 301 sales tax initiative, which now provides $500 million a year to K-12. Also close corporate tax loopholes & raise taxes on top 1%.

David Garcia: Vouchers are unaccountable & discriminatory

Doug Ducey (R): Yes. Signed school voucher expansion bill that extended eligibility to all 1.1 million state schoolchildren.

David Garcia (D): No. Opposes school vouchers as "harmful, unaccountable & discriminatory."

Q: Support recent AZ teacher's strike?

Ducey: Eventually came to a settlement.

Garcia: Yes. "Teachers are standing up & saying they've had enough! I stand proudly with our educators."

Doug Ducey: Cut college funding by $99 million in 2015

Doug Ducey (R): Mixed. Cut college funding by $99 million in 2015. Increased by $32 million in 2016-2017, including $5 million for Koch Brothers-founded "economic freedom schools." Ended all state aid to Maricopa & Pima County community college systems.

David Garcia (D): Yes. Make college tuition-free for in-state students who attend local community colleges or trade schools. Then develop a plan to make 4-year schools free.

Doug Ducey: Push for education savings accounts on November ballot

A top priority for 2018 is in Arizona, where a measure allowing education savings accounts for all students goes on the ballot in November. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey pushed the idea and attended the Koch network's weekend seminar to chat with donors about it. A similar bill is moving through the New Hampshire Legislature and is supported by Americans for Prosperity [another Koch-funded organization].

Steve Farley: Voucher program hurts public schools

David Garcia: Expert edu-scholar in education research and policy

He has been recognized nationally for his expertise in education research and policy. In 2008, he was awarded the National Academy of Education/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship, one of the most prestigious academic awards in the country. In 2015 and 2016, he was named a RHSU Edu-Scholar, as one of the most influential public scholars in the country.

He is an author with several research articles, book chapters, national academic presentations and policy reports to his credit. He is a member of the editorial team for two of the highest ranked academic journals in education. He has also studied international academic standards, including a presentation at the University of Helsinki, Finland.

David teaches courses in research methods, data analysis and statistics.

He has been recognized by Phoenix magazine and the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for his contributions to public education.

David Garcia: Vouchers hurt public schools