Arizona lawmakers revive teacher penalty proposal

PHOENIX (AP) - An Arizona Senate panel has revived a proposal from a Republican lawmaker that would fine educators who try to influence students' political or religious views.

The proposal from Rep. Kelly Townsend had stalled in the House but was revived late Tuesday by the Senate appropriations committee.

Democrats decried the legislation as a slap at teachers who went on strike over low pay and school funding last year. Townsend said she was just trying to ensure that teachers don't try to indoctrinate students with their religious or political beliefs.

Republicans who control the committee, however, made it clear they were targeting last year's "Red for Ed" movement, which saw teachers go on strike for six days and march by the tens of thousands on the state Capitol.