E.J. Montini, opinion columnist for the Arizona Republic, explains how Governor Doug Ducey pulled a fast one on the teachers who thought they won a promise from him.

“An analysis by The Arizona Republic – based on the state auditor general’s numbers – indicates that 59 school districts wouldn’t get enough money under the law to give all of their teachers the promised raise.

“In other words, that 20 percent pay hike for all teachers was 100 percent bull.

“Sure, some teachers will get raises, but apparently not all of them and not at the level that was promised.

“In addition, the devastating education spending cuts made for years were not reversed. Support staff salaries were not guaranteed an increase. And there was no moratorium on tax cuts.

“If the RedForEd people want to accomplish their goals they’re going to have to do it on their own.

“With a ballot initiative.

“Perhaps it will be one that has been put forth by coalition of teachers, parents and education advocates led by the Center for Economic Progress.

“The plan, called the Invest in Education Act. would increase taxes for individuals earning more than $250,000 a year and couples earning more than $500,000.

“The wealthy prefer a sales tax

“A group of local CEOs, along with the Chamber of Commerce – people who earn that kind of money – would rather place the tax burden for education on our poorest brothers and sisters by boosting the sales tax.

“They’re prepared to spend a ton of money to fight the income tax proposal.

“(They’d rather do that, apparently, than put the money into public education.)”

They will need to collect 150,000 signatures by July 5 to get the proposition on the ballot. A number of groups and faith communities have offered their help. They say it is a moral issue.

“The protesting educators in the RedForEd movement tried to teach that lesson.

“The governor and Legislature failed the exam.

“They’re going to need a make-up test.”