Arizona Republicans Want Funding for Koch-Backed Schools
Source: Associated Press
Arizona Republicans Want Funding for Koch-Backed Schools
By RYAN VAN VELZER AND BOB CHRISTIE, ASSOCIATED PRESS
PHOENIX Apr 28, 2016, 5:08 PM ET
Arizona's Republican leaders have proposed earmarking millions of dollars for programs at the state's public universities that are backed by billionaire Republican donor Charles Koch.
The proposal would funnel $5 million to support programs at Arizona State University and the University of Arizona that have received millions in funding from the Charles Koch Foundation a nonprofit backed by the petrochemicals CEO known for supporting limited government and lower taxes.
That money makes up a significant chunk of the $13 million set aside for ongoing spending at Arizona's three state universities, as part of the $9.58 billion budget plan negotiated between the Republican-controlled Legislature and Gov. Doug Ducey.
It is not unusual for billionaires including those on the other end of the political spectrum to donate large sums to schools, which can raise unease among students and faculty about maintaining academic independence.
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