Tennessee is ranked No. 38 out of the 50 states for teacher salaries.

Our current representative in Tennessee State House, Mike Sparks believes that teachers are “paid enough” and wants to post their salaries on a public website.

That is completely unacceptable!

I have the utmost respect for our teachers who work hard every day and deserve the best salaries and benefits they can get, which is why I stand with the Tennessee Education Association in their fight to help teachers with collective bargaining.

Our current leadership in the legislature have failed our educators. The proposed 2018 Budget cuts so many vital programs; Here are just a few examples:

• Pre-K-12 programs like the 21st Century Community Learning Centers serve 30,000 Tennessee students and would be eliminated. This program provides Before- and After-School programs.
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) Grants to States would be reduced by 15% or over $45 million in Tennessee.
• Preschool Development Grants would be eliminated. Tennessee received a $17.5 million preschool development expansion grant in 2014.

When elected in November, I promise to fight for our educators and schools here in Tennessee to provide educators with a salary that matches the United States annual average and the proper funding, materials and resources needed in schools.

Chris Mayor is running against Richard C. Petty for the Democratic nomination for the Tennessee House of Representatives, District 49. THe seat is currently held by state Rep. Mike Sparks, R-Smyrna. For more about Mayor, visit his website.