PHOENIX — Some state education leaders were stunned to learn they may not get their June payments on time from the state because of a $206 million funding shortfall.

One of the key reasons: State vouchers.

Empowerment scholarships, which 12News found primarily help the wealthy, are a key factor in the shortfall, according to the Arizona Department of Education.

That agency on Wednesday notified schools across the state that their June payment could be late, as the Republican-controlled Legislature and Democrat Gov. Katie Hobbs have not agreed to a budget.

State Schools Chief Tom Horne told 12News the shortfall was supposed to be rolled into the new budget that begins July 1.

State Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, told 12News that lawmakers since January have been aware there wa

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