As published in the Arizona Republic on 12/28/17.

Too many Arizona lawmakers are focused on their next election, not the next generation. Arizonans have been clear about their support for public education. Unfortunately, many lawmakers prefer to cater to powerful, out-of-state donors instead of the citizens of Arizona.

We know good teachers are the most critical in-school factor to student success and yet, our elementary teachers are the lowest paid in the nation. What business would expect to attract the best employees by paying them the least of any competitor?

All it would take to get our teacher salaries up to the U.S. median is $1B of the over $12B in sales tax giveaways lawmakers currently allow corporations. Surely a look at return on investment is in order?

It’s time for real fiscal responsibility. It’s time for taxpayers to get what they are paying for. It’s time to invest in Arizona and Arizonans. It’s time to elect lawmakers that will do that.