It is understandable why teachers have been looking for jobs outside of the education establishment, or moving to other states that offer better teaching conditions and/or pay. Besides having to contend with outrageous, unacceptable, disrespectful behavior from students, teachers have been forced to survive on salaries that have not kept up with the rise of inflation and interest rates. For that reason, it would have seemed both Democrats and Republicans in the Arizona Legislature would have voted solidly for House Bill 2800, titled “Pay Teachers First,” sponsored by Representative Matt Gress of Legislative District 4.
Each district and charter school teacher’s salary would have increased by $10,000 by 2025. In addition, each teacher would have received $5,000 extra for the 2023-2024 school year. The money would have come from our state’s surplus funds.
Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne supported it wholeheartedly, as did most Republicans. The main concern was the cost. The AZ House Appropriations Committee voted for it along party lines: ten Republicans, in favor; five Democrats, against. The bill failed in the AZ Senate. According to Tom Horne, had Governor Hobbs supported the bill when it came before the AZ Senate Appropriations Committee, the Democrats on that committee would have voted for it and, ultimately, it would have moved forward. She did not support it. “Pay Teachers First,” HB2800, died.
Matt Gress, the sponsor of this bill was newly elected to the AZ House in 2022, representing Legislative District 4. He is a moderate Republican who has voted 72% for conservative bills, according to the Arizona Free Enterprise Club. He was raised by a single mother in a trailer in Oklahoma, becoming the first member of his family to graduate from college – something he accomplished due to a scholarship and parttime job as a bus driver. He taught for the highly prestigious “Teach for America” organization, earned a Master’s in Public Administration, and ended up the chief of Governor Ducey’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting. In addition, he served on the Madison Elementary School Board from 2017 to 2021.
It makes little sense that Governor Hobbs would not support this bill! In her State of the State Address, she insisted passionately that education would be her top issue. She has often stated since then that the main reason for teacher flight is low pay. She has been adamant to do something about it, mentioning frequently that her sister is a teacher.
She had the chance to move Arizona to the top rung among states regarding teacher pay. That would have encouraged dedicated teachers to move to Arizona. Not only would these teachers be paid well but would be living in a state with a livable cost of living, reasonable tax structure, and beautiful weather. I asked Tom Horne, “Why did she not support “Pay Teachers First?” He replied succinctly, “Because Matt Gress, the sponsor of the bill, is a Republican.”
So much for Democrats working with the Republicans for the greater good!