Arizona teachers near walk out over pay, funding

PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona teachers who have organized to push for big raises and a restoration of school funding to pre-recession levels are preparing to set a date for a statewide walkout.

The developments Tuesday come after the demands from the group with about 40,000 members have been ignored by Gov. Doug Ducey and Republican lawmakers who control the Legislature.

Leaders of the Arizona Educators United say they could announce a date for action at any time. Organizer Noah Karvelis told The Associated Press that Ducey and GOP legislative leaders have not responded to their requests for negotiations, so they see no choice but to move to walkouts.

Ducey is sticking with his plan to slowly boost school funding, promising a 1 percent teacher raise and $100 million in extra funding this year.