Arizona Educators Rally for Increased School Funding as Deadline Approaches

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Arizona educators gathered at the state Capitol on March 12, demanding that state lawmakers prioritize public education funding during this legislative session.

The event, organized by the Arizona Education Association (AEA), saw thousands of teachers marching and chanting outside the House and Senate buildings. Their central request was to place Proposition 123 on the ballot for voters this August.

“What we need is a bold plan for legislators,” said AEA President Marisol Garcia. “What you're going to get is educators who are not going to let this system fail.”

Proposition 123, initially passed by Arizona voters in 2016, is set to expire at the end of June 2024. The measure currently allows the state to withdraw nearly 7% from the land trust fund for educational expenses, a significant increase from the previous 2.5%. Over the past decade, this legislation has provided hundreds of millions of dollars to support Arizona schools.

Union leaders have voiced increasing frustration over inadequate resources, overcrowded classrooms, and lack of support for teachers. “Parents should care very deeply. The state is going to have to end up dealing with a lot of financial responsibility under the current national administration,” Garcia added. “So it's our job in the state to do what's best for our kids. This is a perfect way to go. It does not increase taxes for anyone; it ensures that money coming from the land trust is given to the schools, from 2.5% to 6.9%.”

State Representative Nancy Gutierrez, a Democrat, further emphasized the urgency of the issue. “We do not have a teacher shortage, y'all; we have a shortage of teachers who are willing to put up with this anymore,” she stated.

Governor Katie Hobbs has expressed her support for extending the 6.9% draw of Proposition 123 for another ten years. Senator J.D. Mesnard, a Republican from Chandler, has sponsored a corresponding bill in the Arizona Senate. While the governor proposes using the projected $300 million for both teacher salary increases and general school expenses, Senate Republicans advocate allocating the funds solely to wage enhancements.

With rising concerns that delays may push the proposition to not appear on ballots until 2026, AEA representatives are urging lawmakers to act swiftly. “The longer they take, the stronger the likelihood the proposition doesn't go before voters until 2026,” an AEA spokesperson concluded.