The state budget which had monies earmarked for teacher salary increases of $2,000, has been altered by House Republicans to pay off teacher’s retirement debt instead. Representative Jack McFarland said this solves two problems, decreasing the debt and it frees up monies for local school systems to use for raises.
“It also prevents us from having a reoccurring expenditure of $200 million moving forward, so I think it’s a two for one,” said McFarland.
Governor John Bel Edwards said it’s unfortunate that House lawmakers removed not only teacher pay raises but funding for early childhood and higher education. But he’s hopeful they will be restored in the higher chamber.
“We’re going to be working with the Senate to try to restore these very critical areas of funding. I’m optimistic, as I always am, that that’s going to happen,” said Edwards.
The governor also has plans to increase the teacher pay raises to $3,000 if the Revenue Estimating Conference finds additional funds.
By moving funds for pay raises to pay off retirement debts, some worry that school systems won’t give teachers pay raises on the local level. McFarland said the issue can be resolved if needed on the ballot.
“Well, I remind the teachers that those school board members are elected, just like we are, and they can hold them accountable if they don’t give them the teacher pay raise after we pay off their debt for them,” said McFarland.
Edwards said he, along with the majority of those in the state, believes investments in education overall should be made while the funding is available.
“Certainly not reflective of what the overwhelming majority of people of Louisiana believe ought to be our priorities right now, especially given our obvious ability to make these investments,” said Edwards.
Edwards said he will continue to work with the House on the budget acknowledging that if the Senate makes changes, then it will also have to be approved in the House.
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