DENVER (AP) - The Latest on Colorado teachers pushing for more funding for schools (all times local):
11:40 a.m.
Dozens of Colorado teachers are at the state Capitol pushing for more money for schools.
They rallied outside the building Monday, holding signs and chanting slogans like “You left me no choice. I have to use my teacher voice.” They drew honks from passing cars before heading inside to lobby lawmakers.
The event was organized by the state’s largest teacher’s union, the Colorado Education Association, which estimated the crowd at 400.
The union holds several lobbying days at the Legislature each year but says that recent demonstrations by teachers in other states have increased interest in the event.
Besides asking more funding for schools, the union is also opposing proposed changes to the pension system for teachers and other public employees.
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7:50 a.m.
Teachers in Colorado are joining those from other states in asking for more money for schools.
They plan to gather at the Capitol to lobby lawmakers on Monday and rally on the West Steps at 4:30 p.m.
Classes have been cancelled in one suburban Denver school district because so many of its teachers plan to attend the demonstration. Englewood Schools Superintendent Wendy Rubin says that over 70 percent of the district’s teachers are expected to be absent.
The rally is organized by the Colorado Education Association, the state’s largest teacher’s union. Besides more funding for schools, it’s opposing proposed changes to the pension system for teachers and other public employees.
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This story has been corrected with lobbying starting at 10 a.m., rally at 4:30 p.m.
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