Ducey Appears Opposed To Tax Hike To Help Fund Schools

PHOENIX, AZ – Gov. Ducey strongly indicated on Monday that he is inclined to oppose a tax increase to help fund education. A petition is being circulated to put a measure on the ballot that would impose an increase on individuals making at least $250,000

"I don't support tax increases," he told reporters. "I think the government should find a way to live within its mean."

Ducey famously vowed for months that teachers should only get a 1 percent increase while they were demanding a 20 percent hike – a number that would still leave them below the national average.

Arizona teachers are among the worst paid in the country. (Get Phoenix Patch's daily newsletter and real-time news alerts. Or, find your local Patch here and subscribe).

He also refused to restore any of the $400 million that's been cut from education funding over the past ten years.

Once the teachers voted to walkout – a historic moment that lasted a week – Ducey relented and last week he signed a budget giving them the raises and restoring $100 million in education funding.

Teachers and advocates say that it's not enough. They are trying to get a measure on the ballot that would impose extra taxes on individuals making $250,000 and couples making $500,000 in taxable income.

Supporters say that it will raise approximately $690 million for the state.

They need to gather 150,642 signatures by July 5.

Photo of Governor Ducey via Ross D. Franklin/AP Photo