$1,000 Teacher pay raise bill headed to Governor's desk
The Mississippi Legislature has officially concurred on a teacher pay raise for 2021. HB 852 was sent back to the House this week after moving through the Senate when the House did not pass the Senate’s version, SB 2001.
“For two consecutive years, the Senate has sent a pay raise to the House for consideration, so we are grateful this bill is on its way to the Governor for final approval,” said Chairman of Education Senator DeBar. “Our teachers have gone the extra mile this year, often teaching virtually and in-person simultaneously, to serve Mississippi students and their families during the pandemic. They deserve a pay raise, and they deserve our respect. We appreciate all they do for our state.”
The bill appropriated $1,000 for teachers and $1,100 for assistant teachers across the state. The bill would bring base pay for teachers to $37,000, which is just shy of the Southeastern average at $38,420 and cost the state roughly $51 million.
Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann was adamant about passing an additional teacher pay raise this year. It was his highest priority heading into the 2021 session. SB 2001 was one of the first measures in the Senate to be filed and moved from committee to the floor for passage with haste.
Read more: https://yallpolitics.com/2021/03/19/1000-teacher-pay-raise-bill-headed-to-governors-desk/