Leaders of an Arizona teachers group tell ABC15 they are on track to get an education tax hike on the November ballot.
Arizona Educators United is hosting a rally and day of action at the Arizona State Capitol Saturday, as they make the final push to gather petition signatures. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. The deadline to submit at least 150,642 valid signatures to the Arizona Secretary of State is July 5.
The #InvestInEd ballot proposal would raise income taxes for single people making more than $250,000 and married couples making $500,000 or more. Supporters estimate the tax increase on the wealthy would provide $690 million more a year for Arizona public schools. The ballot initiative piggybacks on the #RedForEd teacher walkouts in April, in which teachers pushed for a pay increase.
"Nobody ever thought that educators would be able to find their voice and stand up for their kids like they did," Arizona Education Association Vice President Marisol Garcia said.
Generally Arizonans are opposed to tax increases, although pollster Mike Noble says it may be different this year.
"We find that education by far and away is the number one issue among voters here in Arizona," Noble said.
"Every single signature we gather will ensure my son will have a better school next year and every year after that," Garcia said, "and I think educators feel that way about all their students."
