Arizona Governor Ducey Signs 20 Percent Increase In Teacher Pay

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 3, 2018

Governor Ducey Signs 20 Percent Increase In Teacher Pay Includes Others Significant Investments In Public Education PHOENIX — Raises are on the way to Arizona teachers. Governor Doug Ducey has signed the full #20x2020 plan into law, providing a 20 percent boost in teacher pay over the next three years — including 10 percent in school year 2018 — and a significant increase in flexible dollars to Arizona schools for support staff, new textbooks, upgraded technology and infrastructure.   This package — proposed by Governor Ducey on April 12 and passed today on a bipartisan basis — represents an increase of more than $1 billion in education spending when fully implemented, including a more than $520 million increase in K-12 education spending this year alone.   “Arizona teachers have earned a raise, and this plan delivers,” said Governor Ducey. “The impact our teachers have on the lives of Arizona kids cannot be overstated. They work incredibly hard to make a difference for their students. This plan not only provides our teachers with a 20 percent increase in pay by school year 2020, it also provides millions in flexible dollars to improve our public education system. I’ve had the honor of hearing directly from Arizona teachers, over these last several weeks in particular. It’s their input that has shaped and improved this plan. We will never check the box on public education, but this is one big, positive step in the right direction for our teachers and their students.”   Investments in Arizona’s classrooms include $371 million to fully restore recession-era cuts to Additional Assistance over the next five years, starting with $100 million this fiscal year. These flexible and permanent dollars will be available for updating curriculum, modernizing classroom technology and increasing support staff salaries.   The budget also includes other important K-12 education investments, including $1.8 million to fund career and technical education, $10 million for behavioral health specialists, $53 million for building renewal to improve school infrastructure – the highest funding level since 2007 – and $86 million over two years for construction of five new schools.   This budget was very much influenced and shaped by Arizona school leaders.   On April 10, Governor Ducey met with a group of superintendents representing students from across the state specifically to talk about the impact a strike would have on their schools and communities. During that meeting, they described the challenges of recruiting and retaining staff, and at the same time, managing all of the remaining needs in their schools.   The next day, on April 11, the Finance Advisory Committee, consisting of independent economists, recognized that revenues through March were $262 million above forecast and included significant increases in ongoing revenues available to the state over the next several years. This report confirmed news released on April 9 from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office announcing a 75 percent upward revision to growth forecasts for the national economy over the next two years. With that improved outlook, Arizona could realize over $1.5 billion in additional revenues over the next five years.   The budget does not compromise other essential state services to accommodate our teacher pay package. In fact, it increases the state’s commitments to developmental disabilities, skilled nursing facilities, Medicaid, critical access hospitals, the arts, food banks and higher education.   For additional information on the budget, click HERE.   Investments in the budget include:   Education $644.1 million for a 20% increase in teacher pay school year 2020; these raises will be ongoing, protected in the base of the budget and inflated • $304.9 million for 10% teacher pay raise in FY 2018/FY 2019 (school year 2018) • $164.7 million for 5% teacher pay raise in FY 2020 (school year 2019) • $174.5 million for 5% teacher pay raise in FY 2021 (school year 2020)   $371 million to fully restore recession-era cuts to Additional District/Charter Assistance, phased-in over five years • $100 million in FY 2019 • $168 million in FY 2020 • $236 million in FY 2021 • $303 million in FY 2022 • $371 million in FY 2023   $86 million in cash funding for the construction of new schools (three in Chandler, one in Tolleson Unified, one in Queen Creek) $53 million for K-12 school building renewal, the highest level of funding since 2007 $27 million in capital funding for Arizona’s universities: ASU, NAU, and UofA $8 million for resident student funding at Arizona’s universities $5.3 million for ADE’s Education Learning and Accountability System $3 million (plus $7 million in federal dollars) for behavioral and mental health specialists to enhance school safety $2 million for the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind to enhance the early childhood learning program $2 million for ASU’s School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership and UofA’s Center for the Philosophy of Freedom $1.8 million to fully fund the state formula for career and technical education (JTEDs) $1 million to create a computer science professional development program   Happy and Healthy Citizens $55 million in provider rate increases for hospitals, the first broad-based increase since 2007 $14.1 million to fully fund adoption subsidies for nearly 35,000 children $13 million for network enhancement payments to providers of developmental disabilities services (a $1 million increase from the prior year) $10.7 million to fix a recession-era shortfall in the developmentally disabled program, guaranteeing funding for free developmental evaluation of children, case management, and room and board $8 million in new dollars to expand the capacity of soon-to-be-built  veterans homes in Yuma and Flagstaff $2.9 million in skilled nursing provider rate increases $2.6 million to relieve counties of contributing to the State’s Medicaid match $2 million for Alzheimer’s research $2 million to increase the level of military retirement pay exemption from $2,500 to $3,500 $2 million for the Arts Commission, an increase of $500,000 from last year $1.8 million in increased funding for critical access (rural) hospitals $1.7 million extra State assistance for Pinal, Yavapai, and Mohave counties $1.7 million to expand abuse treatment at prisons to help reduce recidivism $1.4 million to expand education services to 486 inmates $1 million for Arizona food banks to increase capacity, especially those in rural areas $500,000 for an additional 975 inmates to participate in employment training at Lewis and Perryville $500,000 for expanded home and community-based services for the elderly   Public Safety $24 million ($6 million state funds and $18 million federal funds) to construct a new National Guard Readiness Center in Tucson area to improve training and readiness $11.3 million to eliminate counties paying for a share of operating costs at the Arizona Department for of Juvenile Corrections Offset $3 million to eliminate the county cost shift for the Arizona State Hospital to treat sexually violent persons $2.9 million to add troopers to Arizona’s Border Strike Force to protect critical regions in Southern Arizona $1.4 million for additional troopers on Wrong-Way Driver Night Watch to improve response times to wrong-way and impaired drivers $800,000 to establish the Arizona Pharmaceutical Diversion Task Force to combat abuse and trafficking of prescription drugs $600,000 over three years to improve Arizona’s criminal background check system   Natural Resources $25.6 million increase for preventative highway maintenance (for a total of $41 million), the highest level spent in State history $4 million to develop Oracle State Park in the Catalina Mountains to expand the park to allow more accessibility to the public $2.5 million to renovate Buckskin Mountain State Park in Parker as part of a three-year plan $700,000 to expand wildfire prevention efforts $350,000 for maintenance on 37 dams and other properties owned by the Game and Fish Department   ###

Arizona Maricopa County Keep It Red - Summer Fun Event

Hope you can join us!  KEEP IT RED - SUMMER FUN!

RSVP by Tuesday, August 15 to: Teresa Wright 623.498.7999 or wrightvision1@gmail.com Get more information here.

Visit our website for tons of great information!

(Click HERE  and it will take you to the website)

Stevie Wonder Dragged Back To The Liberal Plantation by Lloyd Marcus

Stevie Wonder’s call to say I love you to black Americans was rejected by black and white Leftists. Leftists were outraged over Wonder’s compassionate message to his fellow blacks, “It is in your hands to stop all the killing and shooting wherever it might be. Because you cannot say ‘Black Lives Matter’ and then kill yourselves.”

Leftists view Mr. Wonder as an uppity n***** who wandered off their Liberal plantation. Yes, Leftists do freely use the n-word. Repeatedly, Leftists have called me a stupid n word for refusing their chains on my brain. My singing performance at the 2010 rally opposing Obamacare in DC was broadcast on C-span. Leftists across America called me the n word and worse; including death threats.

Black overlords were immediately dispatched to drag back their musical-icon run-a-way slave. After a high-tech whipping in the media public square, emotionally bloody and repentant, Mr. Wonder dialed back his truthful comments.

As a black conservative activist, my frustration is getting fellow black Americans to see the light of how Leftists and Democrats are using them. My black daddy raised me to believe Democrat is the party of the little guy/working man. Republicans are for the rich. Most blacks do not realize the Democrat party leadership has been hijacked by extreme liberal radicals (Leftists). At their core is a hatred for America as founded, traditional values of hard-work, individuality, self-reliance, independence and faith in the God of Christianity.

In simple language, liberals believe in spreading mediocrity equally. Liberals believe no one should have more than someone else. Beginning in kindergarten, liberals teach their hatred for achievers disguised as “social justice” and the evils of “white privilege.”

Most blacks do not realize that Leftists believe implementing their extreme liberal agenda trumps everything, including black lives. Leftists deem blacks, women, homosexuals and all minorities useful idiots to be used to implement their anti-American and godless agenda. Speaking of godless, if you list Leftists sacred cow issues, they are all against biblical teachings.

Stevie Wonder stating the obvious that blacks should stop killing each other was not good for furthering Leftists’ agenda. Leftists want blacks to believe America is a hell-hole of racism where cops murder them on sight. This lie helps Leftists sell their lie that the only way to save black lives is for the federal government to takeover police departments. This would further Leftists’ agenda of government repealing our freedoms and controlling every aspect of our lives. Most blacks do not realize that Obama’s government controlled health-care gave them power to decide who lives and who dies.

You may be scratching your head wondering why black leaders were outraged over Mr. Wonder’s attempt to save black lives. The truth is black Democrat leaders are Leftists first and black second. Most black so-called civil rights groups want to keep blacks down, dependent on big daddy government. They want blacks engaged in poverty producing behaviors; dropping out of school, having babies out of wedlock and killing each other.

If this was not true, how would you explain black Leftists’ anger over real common sense solutions offered by successful blacks; Stevie Wonder, Herman Cain, Justice Clarence Thomas and Dr Ben Carson to name a few?

Civil rights icon, Dr Martin Luther King, Jr is rolling over in his grave over the betrayal of black leaders. Dr King made the ultimate sacrifice for blacks to strive for excellence and have a fair shot at achieving their American dream. Dr King did not die for blacks to be eternally enslaved by the federal government; monolithic voting for Democrats to get just enough free-stuff to get by.

Dr King had no idea his movement would be transformed into a grievance industry which keeps Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson, the Congressional Black Caucus, the NAACP and the Obamas fat, happy and rich. Meanwhile, urban blacks continue in a downward spiral of black-on-black crime and generational poverty. Stats prove that blacks actually moved backwards during the 8 year reign of the first black president. Why aren’t most blacks questioning why? Or, will blacks stay stuck on stupid, believing Leftists’ lie that all their problems are the fault of white American racism, Republicans and now Donald Trump?

I was disappointed when Mr. Wonder walked back his statement of truth. However, I understand the pressure on Mr. Wonder must have been tremendous. Leftists attack with furious anger, seeking to destroy anyone who dares to speak truth contradicting their narrative.

Hey boy, sing your pretty songs. But, don’t you never ever again speak out against the family!
 
Lloyd Marcus, The Unhyphenated American, is Author of “Confessions of a Black Conservative: How the Left has shattered the dreams of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black America.”

Tuesday, July 4th, Celebrate America! Phoenix Arcadia Parade

Tuesday, July 4th, join me in celebrating our Independence Day by attending one of the two family-friendly parades in LD28. Dress in red, white and blue, bring your children and grandchildren, and march with me in a parade. Celebrate what it means to be free and American! I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Arcadia Parade Date - July 4th Rain or Shine Registration - 7:30am Parade Start - 8:00am  End - 9:00am Starting Location: 60th Street & Calle Tuberia; Note that 60th Street is also "Jokake" What: Dress patriotically, decorate the kids’ bikes, scooters, wagons, and march in the parade. Or, you can stand street side, waive our flag, and watch the parade. Click Here for More Details

Royal Palm Neighborhood Parade Date - July 4th Registration - 7:00am Parade Start - 7:30am End - 8:30am Starting Location: N 15th Ave & W Butler Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85021 What: Dress patriotically, decorate the kids’ bikes, scooters, wagons, and march in the parade. Or, you can stand street side, waive our flag, and watch the parade.

INVITE to Sheriff Joe Apaio's 85th Birthday Party

INVITE to Sheriff Joe Apaio's 85th Birthday Party

Steve Smith Announces Candidacy for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District

Immediately Consolidates Support with Endorsements from Arizona Congressmen

(Maricopa, AZ) Conservative Steve Smith today announced his candidacy for Congress in Arizona’s 1st Congressional district.  Smith currently represents a significant portion of the Congressional district.

“The voters of the 1st Congressional district deserve strong leadership in Congress,” said Smith.  “Leadership that will fight for more jobs, more prosperity, and real economic growth.  As a state senator, I’ve fought tirelessly for these principles in the Arizona Legislature and I will do the same in Congress.”

In a clear sign of the strength and confidence, Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-08) and Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) immediately offered their endorsements of Smith’s candidacy. 

“Saving our great nation requires that we elect men and women of integrity, who hold conservative values, and who will do what is right for Arizona and America.  For those reasons and many others, I am honored to endorse Steve Smith for Congress and look forward to serving with him on behalf of Arizona families.” said Congressman Trent Franks.

“Steve Smith has rightfully earned his reputation as a hard-working and principled conservative with the backbone to do what is right, even in the face of tremendous pressure. I saw this first hand while serving alongside him in the Arizona Senate. We need more of these type of leaders in the U.S. Congress now more than ever. I am proud to endorse his candidacy for Congress and urge every voter in Arizona’s first district to get behind him and support his campaign.” said Congressman Andy Biggs. 

Steve Smith has represented Arizona’s 11th Legislative District in both the House of Representatives and the State Senate where he has consistently been recognized as one the leading conservatives.  In the Legislature, Smith has repeatedly been awarded Pro-Taxpayer and Pro-Family awards, including “Champion of the Taxpayer” and “Guardian of Small Business”.  He has led the fight to secure Arizona’s southern border, cut regulations and waste, fought for increased school funding and education reform, and helped position Arizona to be a national leader in job creation.

Steve Smith first made political history in 2010 when he defeated an incumbent Democrat whose family had held that Senate seat for nearly 30 years.  In fact, he was the first Republican Senator to represent that district in nearly 100 years.  He has easily won re-election since then thanks to his commitment to his constituents and his record of keeping his promises.  Smith indicated that he planned on finishing his term in the legislature.

Steve and his wife Jamie have been blessed with five beautiful children.  They live in the city of Maricopa in Pinal County and attend the Church of Celebration.

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STEVE SMITH FOR CONGRESS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday May 15th, 2017

Contact:  Constantin Querard (480) 703-8145 or CQ@grassrootspartners.com or Adam Deguire (602) 263-0086 or Adam@AxiomPublicAffairs.com