Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin said teachers lobbying for increased salaries was like a teenager wanting a better car amid statewide teacher walkouts Tuesday.
"Teachers want more," Fallin said in an interview with CBS News. "But it's kind of like having a teenage kid that wants a better car."
Fallin has been criticized for her absence at protests at the state Capitol, where teachers from around Oklahoma have been calling on the Oklahoma Legislature for increased pay and per-student funding since April 2.
Fallin said in a statement April 2 that the state must not "neglect other areas of need in the state" when considering pay increases for teachers.
"We must be responsible not to neglect other areas of need in the state such as corrections and health and human services as we continue to consider additional education funding measures," Fallin said in the statement. "I look forward to continuing to talk with legislative leaders and teachers as we forge a positive pathway forward for education."
Correction: This article was updated at 12:21 p.m. to reflect the exact wording of Fallin's quote.
