Click the play button on the video window to the see the storyA new all day kindergarten class could be the first to go under a current proposal to help fix a budget crisis in Arizona.
The issue caused about 2,000 parents and educators to camp out in front of the State Capitol, and a state lawmaker to fire back to ABC15.
The state is looking to cut $1.6 billion from education funds.
"Two issues need to be remembered here," says State Representative Russell Pearce (R). "We've got a $1.6 billion deficit this year and three on top of that for next year, that's half the budget and five months to fix it."
Pearce said the state is in a crisis right now, left behind by former Governor Janet Napolitano (D) who is now working for the Obama administration.
"The last few years our government has been spending way too much," said Pearce.
Pearce commented on the suggestion that the state tax residents more to make up for the shortfall.
"That would be selfish on their (educators) part to tax families more."
Florence schools Superintendent Gary Nine sent out emails encouraging people to join him for a Sunday's rally to protest the proposed cuts that would hurt higher education and K-12 schools.
"I've worked in the district three years and each year I worry my job will be cut," said Tiffany Riley, who works Arrowhead Elementary.
She is a para-professional who works alongside teachers preparing children with disabilities for the transition from pre-school to kindergarten. She also has three daughters ages nine to sixteen.
"I just have no idea and and it is very scary to figure out where these cuts are going to come from," Riley said.
The cuts at this point are still proposals at this point and nothing is definite.
Still with the numbers, Riley knows something is going to have to give.
"Arizona is already second to last when it comes to spending for our students, " she said. "What can they do without?"
