Arizona lawmakers, roundly criticized this year over poorly funded public schools, want to make one thing clear: They’re not the ones responsible for giving teachers raises.

If the just completed legislative session were a school year, the Class of 2018 would not be making the Honor Roll.

As Arizona teachers threaten to strike over low wages, Gov. Doug Ducey unveiled a revised budget proposal today that offers educators a 9-percent pay bump in the next school year.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has given 44 of his staffers raises of up to 20 percent despite offering teachers raises of less than 1 percent because of a lean budget.

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled in favor of a group of charter schools on Feb. 3, saying the state cannot reduce voter approved-funds earmarked for teacher pay raises and the classroom to offset over payments in previous years.

The City Council has approved a plan to begin phasing out an “emergency” 2-cents-per-dollar tax on food imposed in 2010 to help address a massive budget deficit.

Labor unions are not only seeking pay raises but additional perks for union-covered Phoenix workers. The Arizona Republic reports labor groups want better health coverage, more vacation days and more protection for employees' rights.