Senate committee restores and expands funding for adult education programs
Summary
The Senate Education Committee gave a due-pass recommendation to SB1084, removing a scheduled repeal and restoring $18 million in FY2026 for three adult-education programs while changing enrollment, reporting and funding rules.
The Senate Education Committee on Feb. 11 recommended passage of Senate Bill 1084, an emergency measure that removes the June 30, 2025 repeal date for three adult-education workforce programs and restores state funding.
The bill directs $18,000,000 from the state general fund for fiscal year 2026, allocating $6,000,000 to each of the three programs: the Continuing High School and Workforce Training Program, the Adult Workforce Diploma program, and the Community College Adult Education Workforce Program. It also adjusts enrollment caps, reporting timelines and per‑student payment limits.
Why it matters: Supporters said the programs provide pathways for adults without high school diplomas to gain credentials and enter the workforce. Testifiers from Goodwill Education Initiatives, community colleges and private providers told the committee the funding is especially important to reach rural learners and to sustain local adult‑education operations.
Committee staff described the bill’s major changes: removal of the scheduled repeal date; authorization for community college adult‑education program schools to receive up to $5,000 per full‑time enrolled student (up from $3,000); quarterly distributions of funds; and a cap on projected enrollment increased to 780 from 500. The bill also shortens application review timelines and requires additional monthly reporting by adult workforce diploma providers.
Advocates offered program perspectives. Sarah Thomas, senior director of the Excel Center International Office at Goodwill Education Initiatives, said Excel Center graduates see persistent wage gains and higher college enrollment rates and argued the program has a strong demonstrated return on investment. “Investing in adult learner education programs like the Excel Center makes good fiscal sense,” Thomas told the committee. Representatives of Arizona community colleges and the Arizona Community College Coordinating Council said the $6 million per program is important to ensure rural access.
Discussion and concerns: Committee members pressed for clarification on whether the $6 million figures were per program or total; witnesses confirmed the appropriation restores $6 million to each program as originally funded. Sponsor Senator Kelly Dunn said the bill aligns the adult‑education programs with community college and K‑12 efforts.
Outcome: Senator Mezenard moved the bill for a due‑pass recommendation; the committee recorded six ayes, zero nays and one not voting and gave SB1084 a due‑pass recommendation.
Next steps: The bill was recommended to the full Senate; implementation details such as administrative changes and a possible technical amendment were discussed by staff and sponsors during the hearing.
