The House and Senate are at odds over whether or not to include a 39-million-dollar funding increase for public schools, on top of a 1,000-1,200 dollar pay raise for teachers.
A portion of the 39 million would help keep increased benefits costs from a pay raise from falling back on educators and Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter says the rest goes to the kids.
“70 percent of that goes directly back into the classroom for school supplies and technology to help support students who have difficulties as well.”
Both the House and Senate appear to agree on at least a 1,000-dollar teacher and 500 dollar support personnel pay raise.
Carter says Louisiana educators are about 2,200 dollars below the southern regional average, but teacher unions, the Governor, and some lawmakers have laid out a path back to the average.
“Trying to get at least 1,000 dollars this year and 1,000 dollars next year would get us really really close to the southern regional average. Now, we know it’s not enough, teachers, we believe, deserve way more than that.”
The union president says his members are frustrated that their pay is notably lower than other states, but they’re willing, for now, to take baby steps towards a good wage…
“While it is not what they think they deserve, honestly it’s a step in the right direction and it’s a two-year plan.”
Carter made the comments on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster.