The Louisiana Survey shows there is strong support for teacher pay raises among residents, with 88% backing the pay bump. The issue will likely be raised in the legislative session. Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Center Dr. Mike Henderson said we’ll likely see legislative action fall in line with public opinion.
“It’s also bipartisan support. Large majorities among Republicans, Independents, and Democrats back raising teacher pay,” said Henderson.
More than 90% of Democrats and Independents support the pay hike, as do 80% of Republicans.
When asked about raising taxes to fund the teacher pay increase, support dropped to 63%. Henderson said the support changed in the phrasing of the question.
“If you phrase the question about raising taxes to fund the salary increase, rather than just asking about a salary increase, the support is lower,” said Henderson.
About three-quarters of residents believe teachers are being paid less than they are, thinking the average is around $38,000, where in reality the average is $50,000. But when the question was asked after being told how much teachers make, Henderson said it had no effect on the response for a raise.
“People want to see teachers paid more, not just because they think they are getting paid less than they are, but less than they should be,” said Henderson.
Two-thirds of residents have either a good deal or very great deal of confidence in the state’s public school teachers.
