Gov. Doug Ducey took to Facebook early Thursday morning urging voters to tell their legislator to vote 'yes' on his proposed 20 percent raise for teachers.
"Without a doubt, teachers are some of the biggest difference-makers in the lives of Arizona children," Ducey wrote. "They need to be respected, and rewarded, for the work they do — and Arizona can do better on this front."
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The governor said his "number one focus right now" is passing the pay raise.
"We’ve all been listening — but now, it’s time to act," Ducey wrote. "This raise is earned, and it is deserved."
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Ducey said he understands the "pain and pressure" felt by parents regarding Thursday's teacher strike, but adds he needs their help in order to pass his plan.
"I want you to know, I am working to get this 20% raise passed at the Legislature," he wrote. "But we need your help to make it a reality. Call/email your legislator and tell them to vote “yes” on a 20% pay raise for Arizona teachers."
Ducey's has proposed a 20 percent raise for teachers by 2020. He said his office is "working as hard as we can" with legislators on both sides of the aisle to make that happen.
He told 12 News Wednesday he will stick by that plan despite educators feeling it doesn't go far enough. #RedforEd leaders say they'd prefer a face-to-face with Ducey to figure something else out.