Education
Arizona ranks near last in the country in teacher pay. We rank very low in spending per child. As a solution, the legislature passed a teacher raise recently, but the plan is neither permanent nor adequate. The raises are dependent on future revenue, which is not guaranteed. The plan also does nothing about the poor pay for non-teachers and the massive shortfall in capital funding, which pays for school books, chalk and buildings. A real solution would involve raising the appropriate revenue. Kids cannot vote. They depend upon an education system to give them the tools they need to succeed. Without proper education, we cannot maintain a thriving democracy nor a robust economy. This is a moral outrage. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for my teachers. I had a rough childhood, but two teachers in particular showed me generosity and kindness and with that encouragement, I was able to fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor. I now serve the public and save lives. As a former medical school faculty member, I stand proudly with Arizona’s educators and will demand that we fund the entire system to give every kid a great shot.