Twelve Months of ESA Public Comment: A Case Study on Arizona ESA Parent Concerns—A Thematic Approach with Identification of Key Areas for Other States to Avoid – State Policy Network

A new report conducted by Jenny Clark, SPN Visiting Education Fellow and First Day Partner, Dr. Michael Clark and First Day Partner, and First Day Partner, George Khalaf, examines over 240 public comments from Arizona ESA parents, highlighting key concerns about the program. Parents reported long wait times for reimbursements—sometimes over 60 days—causing financial stress and forcing families to pause or cancel services. Many struggled to reach ESA staff, facing unanswered emails and long hold times. Inconsistent approval decisions left parents confused, with identical purchases approved for some but denied for others. Excessive documentation requirements made simple purchases like books and pencils difficult, and issues with the third-party payment system added further delays. Parents called for reforms, including risk-based auditing, debit cards, and clearer policies to restore efficiency and trust in the program.