Ducey, Arizona House Democrats react to teachers’ decision to hold walkout

PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and other members of the Arizona Legislature added their two cents Thursday night following the Arizona educators’ vote to hold a walkout next Thursday.

Through Twitter, Ducey expressed his concern over the upcoming walkout, stating that, “if schools shut down, our kids are the ones who lose out.”

I am committed to getting teachers this raise and am working to get this passed at the Legislature. We need teachers teaching, and kids learning. (2/2)

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) April 20, 2018

On the other side of the aisle, the Arizona House Democrats issued a statement on the voting results, showing their support for the walkout.

“Democrats are with our Arizona educators. We are inspired and so proud of the brave and righteous stand that you are taking,” House Democratic leader Rebecca Rios said in a press release. “The women and men who work so hard to educate our children at our neighborhood public schools have earned a meaningful and sustainable pay increase that’s based on a real revenue source, not smoke and mirrors.

“We call on Gov. Ducey and our Republican colleagues to come to the table to find a sustainable way to pay for a 20-percent pay increase. We call on our Republican colleagues to join us in working with the AEA to find a sustainable solution.”

Reps. Wenona Benally, Cesar Chavez and other Democrats also provided their thoughts on the issue.

My mother is a retired elementary school teacher. Before retirement, she worked summers to help put me through college & law school. Tonight, educators across AZ OVERWHELMINGLY voted to walk out on Thursday. I support you 200%!! I’m with you!!! ❤️ #RedforEd pic.twitter.com/gKpEkHhGNQ

— Rep Wenona Benally (@RepBenally) April 20, 2018

I stand firmly with our educators to ensure that they are paid a living wage that is deserving of their commitment to our students! https://t.co/BsBgcSXRDJ

— Rep. César Chávez (@CesarChavezAZ) April 20, 2018

I'm with Arizona Educators.
57,000 voted and are participating in the movement.
Teachers and support staff have always been there for children first, foremost, and always.
We must summon the political courage to do what's right for our children and future.
#RedForEd

— Mitzi Epstein (@MitziEpstein) April 20, 2018

#RedforEd heeds the hollow history of Ducey and public education and goes the other way. A week ago today sounded good, but our teachers know better! A week from today they walk by an overwhelming vote of 78%! #OurTeachers #WeStandWithThem https://t.co/V0XjZk8seG

— Eric Descheenie (@ericdescheenie) April 20, 2018

The walkout vote comes after educators have been calling on Ducey and other lawmakers to increase their pay by 20 percent, increase the pay of school staff and improve their schools’ conditions.

Seventy-eight percent of school employees voted in favor of walking out.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be treated as a walk-in, while Thursday’s protest will be a walkout.

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