There’s been a lot of criticism surrounding Governor Ducey’s new budget deal, with some asking where the money would come from for a proposed teacher pay increase. Arizona’s House Speaker said the precise language of the deal should be released early this week.
Ducey tweeted Friday " It’s official: We have a deal," saying he was willing to work through the weekend to release the budget deal early this week. House Speaker J.D. Mesnard said the promised 20 percent increase in teacher pay will be covered by newly located revenue.
“We wanted to be conservative because we wanted people to know this is real," Mesnard said. "This isn’t just pie in the sky. This is an actual raise. It’s going to be paid for legitimately in the budget and they’re going to see and realize this 20 percent increase. ”
This comes after two days of teacher walkouts across the state calling for more education funding. The walkouts are expected to continue Monday.
