from the desk of Janet Napolitano

Education has been one of my top priorities since the day I took office, which is why I am excited to announce that October 2007 is Arizona’s first College Savings Month. To succeed in our 21st century global economy, every Arizona student should have the opportunity to pursue education beyond high school. Not only does higher education allow for tremendous personal growth, but it also provides endless professional opportunities and higher earning potential.


In the Arizona economy, less than two percent of top-earning jobs will be available to workers whose educations end at a high school diploma. College Savings Month recognizes that a family saving a little money at a time can make a big difference in a child’s future – and there are tools available to help.

This month, the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education is reaching out to families to share information about new saving options that can help facilitate what was once a complicated process. These options include the Arizona Family College Savings Program (AFCSP), a 529 plan that allows Arizonans to save for post-secondary education in much the same way as a retirement account.

Families who use the AFCSP, or contribute to any other 529 plan, will be eligible for a state tax deduction effective January 1, 2008. Single tax filers can receive up to a $750 deduction; taxpayers who are married and filing jointly will be permitted up to a $1,500 deduction.

College Savings Month organizers are offering a series of seminars providing information on the new state tax incentive and the AFCSP. For more information on these seminars or to download a planner, visit www.az529.gov.

As always, if you have suggestions or questions, or if you would like information, please call my office at 1-800-253-0883 and ask to speak to Constituent Services, or visit www.azgovernor.gov for more information from my office.


Yours very truly,

Janet Napolitano
Governor