Standing in Solidarity with America's Teachers

Floor Speech

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Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of millions of our Nation's teachers who fight for our children's future every single day.

Last year, tens of thousands of educators from Arizona helped lead the Nation, walking out of their classrooms to protest cuts to schools and funding. They told me about outdated textbooks, overcrowded classrooms, and school supplies so limited that kids were taking tests with crayons.

They succeeded in securing much-needed pay raises for teachers. But the Arizona Legislature refused to provide sufficient money for support staff, classroom supplies, and other resources they need to effectively do their jobs. So, today, Arizona teachers and I are wearing red, because the fight to ensure that every child receives a quality education is not over.

Our students deserve better. They deserve fully funded schools with state-of-the-art classrooms to ensure our kids have the skills they need to succeed in a quickly changing world. They deserve the challenges and opportunities that come from taking advanced placement classes that promote academic achievement and extracurricular activities to stimulate creativity and a passion for lifelong learning. They deserve teachers, aides, administrative staff, and bus drivers who are paid a fair and living wage.

Instead, the State continues to shortchange our children by asking educators to do more with less.

Madam Speaker, I know firsthand the importance of properly funding the public school system. I am a product of it. I would not have the honor to stand here today and advocate for teachers on the floor of the House of Representatives if it wasn't for the help and advice and mentorship of one of my own high school teachers, Mr. Gustafson--or Mr. G, as I called him--of Evergreen Park Community High School. He is just one example of the many passionate, selfless educators who inspire students every day.

That is why I stand today, tomorrow, and every day in solidarity with America's teachers demanding more resources for educators and the young people that they have dedicated their lives to.

Our Nation's future depends on it.

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