Several education groups and advocates have come together through a coalition and filed a petition to put reforms on the state’s controversial Empowerment Scholarship Accounts program, or ESA. ESA advocates say these reforms are unnecessary, feeling like the program is already transparent and accountable.

Since the program became universal in 2022, criticisms have followed, some saying that the program is unaccounted for and is ripe with fraud. Several people outside of the state have been indicted and charged with fraud for misusing the program.  Arizona Superintendent Tom Horne previously said there have only been a few instances of issues compared to how many families use it.

“Waste fraud and abuse in any government program, including public schools, is absolutely unacceptable. Thankfully, right now, the reason we know about these situations is because of the accountability and transparency in Arizona’s ESA program is so robust,” said Jenny Clark, an ESA mom and founder, executive director of the organization Love Your School.

Before 2022, about 11,000 students used the program; it was originally meant for students with disabilities. But, after Governor Doug Ducey approved a bill to expand it universally, it has now grown to more than 100,000 students this year.

The universal program allows families to use state-funded money to attend any school they want, including private, home school, religious schools, tutoring or other educational needs.

An ABC15 investigation in October of 2023 examined the purchases made through ESA funds. Expenses ranged from tuition to trampoline parks and some purchases, such as driving lessons in luxury cars and more gained criticism. The Arizona Department of Education has previously defended those purchases and said they were allowed.

“The legislature has had years, actually three years now, to make these reforms that voters are clearly, asking for. And they’ve refused to make any reforms,” said Beth Lewis, the director of Save Our Schools.

Lewis said that lawmakers have not made many changes, despite efforts from Governor Katie Hobbs, who had to make compromises with the Republican majority legislature. So, Save Our Schools, the Arizona Education Association, families and educators, through a coalition on Friday, filed a petition to potentially get a ballot measure to bring reforms to the universal program. The petition is dubbed the “Protect Education, Accountability Now Act.”

“They still have that opportunity in the next few weeks,” Lewis said of lawmakers. “Otherwise, we the people are ready to take matters into our own hands.”

The petition filed is looking for an overhaul on the ESA program, including:

• Putting an income cap for participants at $150,000.
• Restricts use of funds on prohibited items, for example, jewelry or lingerie, or paying a student’s family member (except for students with disabilities).
• Requires teachers and staff at qualified schools or tutors to have fingerprint clearance cards.
• Requires qualified schools or tutoring services to register with the Arizona Department of Education and pay registration fees.
• Ensure that schools receiving ESA funds are accredited or administer testing on ESA students.

Clark says the petition and its proposed requirements are “phony.”

Previously known as the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort is one of the most iconic properties in Scottsdale, Arizona. Fresh off a $124 million renovation at the end of 2024, the resort is ready for a new era.

TPG recently got to take a peek inside this reimagined, rebranded Hyatt. Here’s what it’s like.

The 10 best hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona, for a dreamy desert getaway

What is the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort?

The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale is located 20 minutes north of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and is easily accessible from state Route 101 and Scottsdale Road.

With 496 rooms offering modern amenities and scenic views of the McDowell Mountains, the resort has emerged from a complete renovation. It was refreshed from top to bottom to now feature six new restaurant concepts from acclaimed chef Richard Blais (winner of “Top Chef: All-Stars” and judge on “Next Level Chef”), as well as award-winning Spa Aviana set within a beautiful space designed by architect Vernon Swaback, a Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice. The latter houses 19 treatment rooms and a private pool, among other amenities.

Here’s what it’s like staying at Arizona’s first Grand Hyatt.

Mountain views meet meticulous design in the guest rooms

On this visit, I stayed in a king mountain view room, where modern design meets a calming palette of gray-green tones accented with leather and marble.

Thoughtful details were abundant, from the built-in storage bench — which doubled as a luggage rack — beneath the large flat-screen TV to a fully stocked coffee and tea bar and minifridge unit finished with a marble countertop and brass hardware.

The spacious closet was well stocked with plush bathrobes, slippers and travel essentials (there wasn’t a clothes steamer, but I could easily request one from housekeeping), while the bathroom featured a walk-in shower with crisp white tiling and vanity lighting, plus Balmain Paris bath amenities.

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Practical touches like ample charging outlets throughout the room made settling in easy. Suitable for one to three guests, the space also included an oversized armless chair that converted into a comfy twin bed and doubled as stylish seating around the marble table — ideal for a relaxed predinner snack or glass of wine.

A sliding glass door opened to an east-facing patio furnished with a table and chairs. Overlooking the McDowell Mountains and Gainey Ranch Golf Course, it was a prime spot for a morning yoga stretch or watching the sun rise with a cup of coffee in hand.

Restaurants offer delicious menus in design-forward settings

Beyond room service and the Hyatt Club lounge — where guests with club access or World of Hyatt Globalist status can enjoy morning breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres — the resort’s dining scene is anchored by six new concepts from celebrity chef Richard Blais. While I wish we had time to try them all, the highlights from our stay included an upscale Italian dinner at La Zozzona, followed by a leisurely breakfast at Mesa Centrale (enjoyed outdoors on the patio beside a cozy fire pit on a brisk morning).

La Zozzona

Richard Blais’ Italian restaurant, La Zozzona, is a standout, drawing both resort guests and locals for an effortlessly warm, polished dining experience. Design your own vibrant spritz ($18) with house-made aperitivi and Italian soda combinations, then enjoy shareable starters like a little gem salad ($17) and crispy mozzarella with Calabrian chili honey ($19), both of which impressed us.

The main entree choices were the epitome of Italian comfort food — the braised lamb shank with creamy polenta ($64) and the linguine with clams in scampi butter ($29) were both deeply satisfying. Service was attentive and seamless throughout the meal. When it was time for dessert and we couldn’t decide, our server said the magic words: “Just get two!” The tableside tiramisu ($14) and the Sicilian cannoli with citrus ricotta and pistachio gelato ($14) were a delightful end to a fabulous dinner.

Mesa Centrale

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BECKY BLAINE/THE POINTS GUY

Breakfast at Mesa Centrale was a relaxed, satisfying start to the day. The all-day restaurant serves everything from brunch and breakfast to lunch and dinner, with options for kids as well.

Standout morning dishes like blue corn pancakes ($24) and huevos rancheros ($26) paired beautifully with strong coffee and lattes, while indoor and outdoor seating — complete with mountain views and fire pits, of course — made it an inviting spot to linger.

Spa Aviana is a tranquil retreat for relaxation

From the moment you’re greeted and descend the staircase, the spa sets a calming tone. The serene space includes 19 treatment rooms, men’s and women’s locker rooms, relaxation lounges, a full salon and a 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes and plenty of strength equipment.

Be sure to leave time to unwind in the Himalayan salt room or outdoors, where a tranquil spa pool is surrounded by softly flowing fountains, lounge seating and fireplaces, creating a cozy atmosphere designed for lingering. Cocktails and light bites are available poolside.

Booking tip: The 60-minute signature massage ($215) blends Swedish techniques with aromatherapy for deeply relaxing results.

Things to do at the resort and around Scottsdale

With 10 pools spread across the property, the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale balances family fun and adult relaxation with everything from a sandy kids beach, a 30-foot waterslide and a volleyball pool to a peaceful adults-only retreat for reading and unwinding.

Other activities to enjoy on the property and nearby include:

• Borrow bikes (included in the resort fee) from the front entrance and bike down Doubletree Ranch Road to Cosanti, the copper bell foundry and workshop created in 1956 by Italian architect Paolo Soleri (who had also briefly been a Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice). For a unique gift or reminder of your trip to Arizona, take home a handmade Soleri bell wind chime.
• Visit Old Town Scottsdale to peruse the local shops, enjoy the western heritage or take in the art exhibits at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art or the Western Spirit Museum. Between art installations and events like the annual “Parada del Sol Parade,” there’s always something happening in Old Town.
• Meet Navajo (Diné) artist Sheilah Nalwood in the hotel lobby shop, where she and her husband create unique and authentic sterling silver and turquoise jewelry and art.
• Hotel guests have access to the Gainey Ranch private club and golf course with 27 holes of championship golf.
• Just a few minutes north of the hotel is the world’s largest collection of musical instruments at the Musical Instrument Museum. Interactive galleries let you experience the music and instruments of cultures around the world. The hands-on “Experience” gallery is fun for all ages, allowing guests to play instruments.

Accessibility

The resort is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as it offers pool chair lifts, wide entrances and wide pathways. The main building has a ramp to the front entrance, and most guest rooms are within the main building and accessible with elevators. Both accessible suites and casitas with visual, auditory and mobility accessibility options are available.

As always, TPG suggests contacting the resort directly with any specific questions or concerns.

Insider tips for staying at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort

• Valet parking costs about $20 per night, while close-by self-parking is $10 per night.
• Definitely snag a dinner reservation for La Zozzona before your stay, as it’s popular with locals.
• The Grand Vista Lounge offers a great daily happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. and live music starting at 6 p.m. most nights.

How to book the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort

Mountain view rooms are available from $529 per night during peak season (January through May) and from $349 per night in the summer. The Category 6 luxury resort is bookable starting at 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

When booking a Hyatt hotel, you’ll want to use a credit card that earns extra points for Hyatt stays, as well as one that possibly offers automatic World of Hyatt elite status for value-added benefits. These include:

The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale is also a member of the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program and The Edit by Chase Travel℠, with both programs offering perks and benefits such as early check-in, daily breakfast for two, late checkout and room upgrades (subject to availability).

Bottom line

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BECKY BLAINE/THE POINTS GUY

Hyatt hotels have become my go-to accommodation option for award stays because they are so affordable. With award redemptions at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale, a gorgeous property with fantastic service and plentiful amenities, starting at 21,000 points per night, a stay here is a no-brainer. You really can’t beat the price for this experience.

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