# Arizona ESA Audit: $100M in Risky Deals Unreviewed

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/mesa-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7559357/arizona-esa-audit-100m-in-risky-deals-unreviewed
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/mesa-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7559357/arizona-esa-audit-100m-in-risky-deals-unreviewed.md
Podcast: [Mesa News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/mesa-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7559357)
Published: 2026-05-14T03:22:25+00:00
Episode link: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/564f9475-0c30-4a9e-ac87-9343d20190ac.mp3
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/564f9475-0c30-4a9e-ac87-9343d20190ac.mp3
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Duration seconds: 83

## Resource

Arizonas Auditor General uncovers significant issues in the Empowerment Scholarship Account program, with over one-third of high-risk transactions having problems like missing paperwork or spending on banned items. Nearly $100 million in risky deals lack proper review. The program, which allows parents to pull kids from public schools and use state funds for private options or homeschooling, has grown to a $1 billion operation but lacks adequate oversight. Auditors flagged 25 high-risk transactions totaling over $86,000, including therapy without proof and items under the auto-approval limit. They recommend stricter accountability, more staff, and tech upgrades to protect taxpayer dollars. Support the show: Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/ca3ed7285ca6008d

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