We Support Arizona Educators!
The League of Arizona supports educators in the #RedForEd movement, who voted on Thursday to walk out of their schools on April 26th. League leaders are hopeful that this walk-out, supported by over 78% of all teachers, will encourage the Legislature and Governor to agree to quickly pass a budget that will accomplish the goals that the walkout aims for.
The League has lobbied against public funds being diverted from public schools and into private schools, and against ever-increasing tax cuts and credits that have continued to diminish the ability of the state to meet its constitutional obligation to its children and young people.
League leaders believe that the planned walkout is not an indication that teachers are willing to recklessly abandon their students for selfish personal gain, but rather that they are at their wits' end in trying to get their students' schools funded properly, in all the ways schools need funding: not only their own salaries, but also necessary things like buildings and infrastructure; books and technology; and support services like counseling, medical, the library, transportation and food services.
Teachers are striking in support of their students, because nothing else has worked.
So, in step with the other organizations we have been in coalition with over the past year, that share our goals, we say "Go for it, teachers! It's about time that those from whom so much is demanded receive the compensation and attention that your jobs deserve."
What About Gov. Ducey’s 20% Pay Increase?
• NOT sustainable: His plan pulls money from environmental and other State programs and assumes amazing general fund income growth. He promises action beyond his potential tenure as Governor.
• NOT comprehensive: His plan only addresses teacher salaries.
• NOT enough: His plan does not restore the budget to pre-recession levels and there is NO foundational strategy for future, fair, consistent funding of education in Arizona.
• NOT equitable: We still have all those tax credits and vouchers pulling money from public schools.
What Can You Do?
Call your legislators and ask them to come up with a real plan for funding education in AZ!
https://www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster
High-five a teacher!
Teachers have planned “walk ins” Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
You can wear red and walk or drive by a school near you.
Rally at the Capitol Next Week and on Walk-Out Day
Check your news channels for details.
Atend AZED101 (Arizona Education 101)
Tuesday, April 24 7 p.m.
Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation
6400 West Del Rio, Chandler, AZ 85226.