A bill to raise the compensation rate for school bus drivers will be heard in Senate Finance today. Bill author Covington Senator Patrick McMath said driver pay rates haven’t changed since the 1980s and we owe it to them and the children they transport, so they can properly maintain their vehicles.
“They own their own school buses, they’re responsible for bringing our kids to and from school in a safe manner, and we need to make sure they have the best equipment to be able to do that,” said McMath.
Senate Bill 57 would raise the rate to a minimum of $1.47 a mile for buses with 48 passengers or less and a minimum of $1.76 a mile for buses with more than 48 passengers.
McMath said not only is the state experiencing a teacher shortage but also a shortage of drivers who make sure students are able to get to and from school.
“It is very apparent and the sickouts that have taken place across the state, these guys are frustrated they just can’t afford to do this work anymore without this help,” said McMath.
Last year when similar legislation was introduced McMath said he voted against it and since he’s been enlightened about how the low pay rate is adversely impacting school bus drivers. And as a father of four children who ride the bus to school, McMath said it’s imperative that driver pay rates be increased.
“It’s not a question of if we can’t afford it, we must be able to afford it because, without school bus operators, we’re in a pickle,” said McMath.
The bill passed unanimously in Senate Education and also has the support of the Louisiana School Board Association this session.
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