Texas Senate wants billions for $5,000 teacher pay raise

[TexasTowelie]

AUSTIN — The Texas Senate wants to give every classroom teacher a $5,000 pay raise.

On Tuesday, Sen. Jane Nelson filed a bill that would require school districts to give each of the state's 350,000 classroom teachers a one-time pay bump. The state would pay for the increase, which would cost about $3.7 billion in the first two years, Nelson estimated, and then would continue to have that money available for future raises, according to Senate Bill 3.

"The most important investment we can make in education is in our teachers. They are the key factor in preparing our students for success," said Nelson, R-Flower Mound. "Teaching has always been a labor of love, but we need to elevate the profession, recruit the best and brightest to the classrooms, and compensate our teachers for the critical role they play in shaping the future of Texas."

Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker of the Texas House Dennis Bonnen have all said public school funding will be a top priority this year. Patrick, who presides over the Senate, applauded the bill during his inauguration speech Tuesday.

Read more: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas-legislature/2019/01/15/texas-senate-wants-billions-fund-5000-pay-raise-every-classroom-teacher

[Uben]

1. They need and deserve it

I'd rather my taxes go to the teachers than anyone else. We charge them with our kid's education which will define them later in life. I know what they invest in their students. It's what they do!

[rownesheck]

2. A rare good idea

from state republicans. Although, i wonder if they've got something up their sleeves. I don't trust republicans. Anyway, guess we'll see.