PHOENIX - The standoff continues between Arizona lawmakers and educators.
The teacher walkout enters into a fourth day with several large school districts still closed across the state. As educators rally at the Capitol, lawmakers will be inside trying to work out a budget deal.
Educators hit the capitol lawn early Tuesday morning. They're still pushing for more education funding and teacher raises. New Tuesday, educators and their supporters will be able to open up to lawmakers who are expected to vote on the budget.
Experts say Republicans want to pass the budget and send it to Gov. Doug Ducey by Wednesday night. The budgets could go to the House or Senate floor for the first of at least two votes. Teachers could even be at the Capitol until midnight or later.
Gov. Ducey tweeted Friday that he's pushing for a "permanent, ongoing, protected in the base formula," 20 percent pay increase for teachers by 2020. He is also asking for $100 million for new textbooks, building improvements and support staff salaries, which would increase to $371 million over five years. Ducey also says no tax increase.
Educators are hoping lawmakers act fast. The first hearing on the state budget is at 9 a.m. in the House hearing room and there's a second hearing at 1 p.m.