The Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana, or A+PEL, is working to clear up what it says are misconceptions about Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16th ballot. A+PEL Executive Director Dr. Keith Courville says Amendment 3 would pay down debt within the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana to fund permanent pay raises for teachers of at least $2,250.
“There are some funds that are locked away in our state. These funds are not being used, and we need to access those funds and then route those funds to teacher pay,” Courville said.
There’s been some chatter that some money in the funds that would be retired under this amendment is intended for things like early childhood programs and classroom initiatives. Dr. Courville says that’s not what the money is being used for – in fact, he says that money is currently not being used for anything.
“I think this had been a genius plan, to use these unused funds in this way that will give teachers a raise,” Courville said.
Courville says passing this amendment will not cost taxpayers a dime.
“By voting “Yes” on this amendment, we’re able to get a raise for teachers without raising any taxes,” Courville explained.
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