Teachers, parents lobby for education funding

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — As lawmakers wrestle to put together a budget that's education friendly, parents and teachers are gearing up to take a lesson plan to the capitol.

"We're Oklahomans first. I don't care what party you are, just get it done," said Shawna Mott-Wright, vice president of the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association.

Mott-Wright says legislators are getting the message.

"I've seen a big change in that there are people right now willing to increase any type of tax that I never thought I'd see them talk about increasing any tax in my lifetime," she said.

Members of the TCTA have been visiting the capitol every week this session and are inviting parents to come along with them Tuesday.

"Every child deserves a good opportunity and a great public education, and they can't get it because the state won't raise revenue and fund it," she said.

From the classroom to the capitol, it's a personal plea for funding for a very personal matter.

"I see the pain really hitting my kids, now you're messing with my kids. You're going to see a whole different person, momma bear, papa bear, they're coming out," she said.

If you'd like to join the caravan, you can meet them at the TCTA office at 31st and New Haven at 6:45 a.m Tuesday morning. They are expected to be back in Tulsa around 4 p.m. Tuesday.