Brewer may cut adult education

Feb 28, 2010 — The Yuma Daily Sun

William Roller

Feb. 27, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- In an effort to close the current state deficit of $1.3 billion, Gov. Jan Brewer has proposed eliminating several Arizona Department of Education programs aimed toward adult learners.

Currently the state supports GED (general equivalency diploma) and adult education courses with a $4.4 million fund, noted Karen Liersch, deputy associate superintendent of adult education services for ADE.

Liersch noted that the state's adult education also receives $11 million from the federal government but it requires Arizona to maintain a 1 to 3 ratio of matching funds. That means the state must contribute one dollar for every three federal dollars, she said.

In addition, the federal government requires Arizona to sustain a "maintenance of effort" where the state continues to fund adult education by 90 percent of its current effort, she noted.

"So if the state cuts adult education, the feds will cut support proportionally. We're at risk with the governor's proposal of losing $15 million."

That money supports more than 40,000 people who take the GED and receive adult education currently, Liersch said. And there are 7,000 on the waiting list for adult classes. The legislature must still vote whether to approve Gov. Brewer's proposal before the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

Adult education is one of the few state expenses that sees almost immediate return on investment, said Liersch. Adults completing GED almost immediately earn higher salaries, buy more goods and pay more taxes which increases state revenues, she added.

"People attend adult education to keep a job, get better jobs, or to go on to post-secondary education. So without this program none of this would be possible."

Lynn Thompson, Crane assistant superintendent, said since the slated cuts are only a proposal, the district is still uncertain what will result. But she did note that ADE, for the time being, has assured the district support for the adult education program until the end of this school year.

Crane also helps supports different parts of adult literacy such as adult basic education, English as a second language, citizenship and GED classes, Thompson noted. The district currently works in partnership with Chicanos Por La Causa and the Yuma Reading Council to bring these services to adults.

Paul Senseman, spokesman for Brewer, noted that there is absolutely no disagreement about the good that results from these programs.

"The governor has had a consistent track record as a fiscal conservative. Yet she has been the only elected official with a proposal to balance the budget. And to date there has been no alternative come forth that will balance the budget."

---

William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0239-42424334