Senator Mesnard, Representative Gress Introduce Ballot Measure to Unlock Funds Needed for Teacher Pay Raises

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                   

Friday, January 31, 2025

Senator Mesnard, Representative Gress Introduce Ballot Measure to Unlock Funds Needed for Teacher Pay Raises

PHOENIX, ARIZONA—Senator J.D. Mesnard and Representative Matt Gress are introducing a new ballot measure to provide Arizona teachers with much needed pay raises. SCR 1015/ HCR 2047 is the first step in a larger effort to ensure educators are compensated fairly for their vital role in shaping Arizona's future generations.

SCR 1015/ HCR 2047 aims to increase teacher salaries above the national average with the buy in of voters. It would equate to a pay increase of about $4,000 per teacher.

This ballot referral would allocate resources to fund pay increases to the dedicated individuals who form the future of our state and are often working long hours beyond the classroom to support students' growth and development. Given the rising cost of living and the increased demands placed on educators, it's essential that we recognize their hard work with compensation that reflects their critical role.

Proposition 123, approved by voters in 2016, allows a greater percentage from the state land trust fund to be distributed to K-12 schools. With Prop. 123 set to expire this summer, Republicans backfilled those additional dollars to K-12 schools within the last state budget, so there will be no disruptions to this funding system moving forward. A Prop. 123 extension, which would continue a higher payout from the fund, would thus mean additional dollars on top of the money that is going into our classrooms. 

"It’s time to focus on improving teacher pay in Arizona. The state land trust is a valuable resource that has consistently provided additional funding for K-12 education," said Representative Gress. "I look forward to advancing a plan that strengthens our education system by prioritizing teachers’ pay instead of administrators."

"Arizona is entering its ninth year of a teacher shortage with teachers who continue to leave the profession. This is an alarming crisis that needs the Legislature's attention," said Senator Mesnard. "It's crucial that money reaches the classroom and teachers are paid what they deserve. I believe that if this is done right, we are creating an excellent tool to help solve the ongoing crisis."

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For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

kquintero@azleg.gov

Andrew Wilder

Director of Communications | Arizona House of Representatives Republican Caucus

awilder@azleg.gov