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November 3, 2022By Gracie Quiroz Marum, Catholic Tuition Support Organization
A child’s education begins at birth. The parental role and the parents’ choices affect the new-born from this moment and continue throughout the entire life of the child. The expectation is that these children will develop into responsible individuals who are invested in their community.
Communities are composed of individuals making choices by participation in social, religious, and political activities. A significant and fundamental component of any community is education, from pre-school and beyond, to develop and secure the future of individuals who will later make decisions for the good of the populace.
Why, then, I ask myself, are so many opposed to permitting parents to make choices regarding where and how their child will learn basic skills and cognitive development?
As a parent myself, I want the best curriculum and environment for the education of my children. I also want this choice to be available to children of diverse racial, ethnic, economic, and religious backgrounds.
Arizona parents have that choice. Tax credits for private education have expanded opportunities to families for over twenty years. As Chief Executive Officer of Arizona’s Catholic Tuition Support Organization for more than two decades, I have observed first-hand the educational and professional success underprivileged children have enjoyed because of tax credit scholarships. Graduates of schools with strong academic and moral values who have benefited from this opportunity have given back to their community thanks to their professional achievements and moral development.
The recent years additional School Choice initiatives have been enacted to give families more educational options. Opening doors to families who seek special needs schools, religious schools, and schools with emphasis in math, science, or technical specializations.
Arguments against the expansion are based in the belief that taxes should not fund private education. My fellow Arizona taxpayers, please take note: taxes belong to us, the wage earner, not to the government. Those are dollars we have earned. We can and should keep tax dollars in our community. I hope you consider supporting Catholic education by designating your tax dollars to the Arizona’s Catholic Support Organization.
Education has evolved to reflect the needs of the 21st century by incorporating technology, creative environments, and venues such as expansion of vocational opportunities at junior colleges. Isn’t it time that our own values keep pace to strengthen, promote, advance, and enhance the education of future generations?
Direct your state taxes here
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