Educators call for new revenue to fund schools

Educators gathered at the State Capitol to call on the legislature to fund salaries and take bold action on new, progressive revenue to fully fund schools

OLYMPIA, WA (February 18, 2025) — Educators, families, and supporters took to Olympia yesterday to urge legislators to invest in schools and provide raises for some of the lowest paid education staff. With a looming budget deficit, educators are urging the legislature to explore progressive revenue options to ensure the state meets it’s constitutional obligation to fully fund education — without forcing working families to foot the bill.

Washington has a strong economy, sustained by the labor of everyday working people all across the state. That economy has allowed big businesses and the richest Washingtonians to amass incredible amounts of profit and wealth. It seems contradictory that a state with such economic strength is facing a budget shortfall; but Washington’s tax structure doesn’t require the ultra-wealthy to pay their fair share, instead relying heavily on revenue from sales tax and other sources largely paid by working families.

Educators, families, and supporters rallying at the State Capitol on February 17. Photo: SEIU 925

“We live in a wealthy state with a booming economy, and yet we face a revenue deficit that means that once again, our schools’ essential staff are expected to accept inadequate wages,” said AFT Washington President Karen Strickland in a statement. “We are protecting the wealth in Washington over providing living wages to school support staff who keep our kids safe and make our schools places kids can thrive.” 

Educators are fighting to change that backwards approach. In the words of Strickland: “We want vibrant learning conditions and excellent working conditions in our schools; new revenue from those who can most afford it is crucial to investing in our essential school staff.”

In their visit to the Capitol, educators and families made clear the stakes; children’s futures are imperiled. Students need support to succeed in school, especially in the wake of disruptions during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. But lack of funding and low salaries makes it hard for educators to make ends meet, ultimately impacting student’s education experiences. This is especially true for support staff, who provide essential services yet are some of the lowest paid workers in education.

Invest in kids, invest in us—funding schools is a must! Our SEIU 925 K12 union members spent the day speaking with state legislators about the importance of funding our public schools.#UnionStrong for our kids and communities! 💪✨ #WALeg pic.twitter.com/YDUEO32BZh

— SEIU Local 925 (@SEIU925) February 17, 2025

“Education support staff are the heart of our schools—lifting up every child, breaking down barriers, and ensuring that all students have the support they need to thrive,” said Teamsters Local 763 Secretary Treasurer Chad Baker in a statement. “Their work isn’t just essential; it’s the foundation of an inclusive and empowered learning community.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Washington Education Association President Larry Delaney: “Educators see every day the impact that the lack of state funding has on our students. It’s time to invest in our future and our students’ success.”