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TURNING MARCHES INTO ACTIONS
April 26, 2018 was an impressive day in Arizona history. A sea of red took to the streets and told our Republican-led Legislature, Governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction that enough is enoug
h.
Years of crippling b
ud
get c
u
ts to educators, support staff, and
infrastructure has had a horrible impact on Arizona's students - our children - those who represent the future of Arizona.
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April 26, 2018
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Now using funding gimmicks, Gov. Ducey is trying to convince educators that they would get the increase in salaries they
demanded - by promising 10 percent of the 20 percent of the raises in future years.
Funding based upon the promise of future funding increases is not only not permissible in the legislature (budgets are done annually), but w
hat would happen if the funds suddenly weren't available; there is simply no guarantee.
Further, support staff (counselors, psychologists, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, janitors, etc.) weren't included in the equation for raises, and if they were, it then decreased the overall amount the teachers were set to receive.
Solutions issued by Ducey and members of the Republican Legislature have done little to help move our state toward a resolution. Their tactics, which continue to punish the less fortunate, include:
- A class-action lawsuit
- Diverting money from programs for the developmentally disabled and Medicaid
- Increasing the sales tax
Meanwhile, upper-class welfare continues to be protected with large corporate tax breaks kept in place to the detriment of Arizona's working-class families.
Normally, we could look to the Superintendent of Public Instruction for some guidance, support and leadership. Instead, Supt. Douglas is only providing a warning to teachers that actions could be taken that would impact their certification and they should strongly consider the consequences of striking. This warning was issued to educators when at the same time the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed, the Alternative Teaching Certification laws which allow people to teach without a teaching certificate.
Taking to the Streets
In times like these, taking to the streets is an important and necessary part of our democratic process. We must support our education community to get the demands they have set forth. However, once the walk-out is over - we must remain committed and active. We must elect individuals who will support our students, our children and our education communities. This requires us to:
We invite you to join us in this fight. The LD 17 Democrats have many opportunities to become involved that can and WILL help us win the fight to support public education in the upcoming elections.
With deep appreciation -
Jacob Schmitt
Chair, LD 17 Democrats
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Calendar of Events
LD17:
Meetings begin at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.) The meeting is held at the
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 769 Union Hall, 220 N. William Dillard Dr., Gilbert 85233. Next meeting is May 1.
Speakers -- Candidates Mark Robert Gordon, for Secretary of State; Mark Cardenas, for AZ Treasurer; and Martin Sepulveda, for Chandler Mayor
Sun Lakes Dems:
Meetings begins at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Sun Lakes Country Club (25601 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. N.), Navajo Room.
For more info, call Dolly Loftin, (480) 200-3322. Next meeting is May 14.
Speakers --
Candidates Deedra Abboud, for U.S. Senate; Jim Hinsey, for CD 5; David Garcia, for Governor
The Sun Lakes Democratic Club collects non-perishable food items for Matthew's Crossing Food Bank. Please bring your tax-deductible contributions to the Drop Off Area in the west parking lot from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ask for a receipt.
The club donated 127 pounds of food and $59 cash for March. The totals for 2018, so far, are 244 pounds of food and $115 cash. We appreciate all you do.
Drivers/canvassers and experienced/newbies needed. Starting point is
Valley of the Sun Real Estate,
290 S Alma School Rd., Chandler. Here's the May schedule:
Saturday, May 19, 9am RSVP
Saturday, May 26, 9am RSVP
Thursday, May 31, 5pm RSVP
Mark Your Calendar
-
LD 17 Meeting, Tuesday, June 5
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SL Dems, Monday, June 11
- Maricopa County Democratic Party - Diamond Event - Thursday, May 10, 2018 - Chateau Luxe, 1175 E Lone Cactus Drive, Phoenix, 5:30 - Reception, 6:30 - Event RSVP
- Arizona Democratic Party, State Committee Meeting - Saturday, May 19, 2018 - Amphitheater High School, 125 W Yavapai Rd., Tucson
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April Highlights
Thank you to everyone who made our Chandler event at
The Perch
a success. Special thanks to David Schapira, candidate for the Democratic nominee for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Steven Slugocki, Chair of the Maricopa County Democratic Party. It was a wonderful evening, raising more than $1,300 for our campaign office! If you weren't able to join us and would like to donate to support the LD 17 Dems office - go online at: Donate
.
Felicia Rotellini, the new Chair of the Arizona Democratic Party, shares her enthusiasm about how we can move forward and work together to turn Arizona blue in November.
THANK YOU to the 50,000 educators, support staff and parents who dramatically illustrated the importance of public education in Arizona.
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Jacob Schmitt
Chair, AZ LD 17 Democrats
[Paid for by the LD 17 Democrats]
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