Pay raises for Louisiana teachers and support staff won final approval in the Legislature with a commitment from Gov. John Bel Edwards for more increases during the next two years.
The Legislature passed annual raises of $800 for teachers and $400 for support workers like cafeteria workers and other staff late Tuesday as part of its $3.9 billion package for K-12 public schools.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 2 earned unanimous support in the Senate and House.
Edwards had initially asked for smaller pay increases, but he supported legislators’ effort to double the initial proposed bumps after an increase in state revenue.
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Senate President Page Cortez, R-Lafayette, said increasing the original raises was his top priority for the extra money taken in by the state.
“During the recent pandemic, other than health care workers, our teachers were among those most affected,” Cortez said. “Through this additional funding, we have an opportunity to show our appreciation for what they do, continuing our efforts to always make them a priority within the budget.”
House Speaker Clay Schexnayder, R-Gonzales, has expressed similar sentiment.
“Our teachers are the pillars of our education system, and it’s time we give them the pay raises they need,” Schexnayder said.
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Louisiana Schools Superintendent Cade Brumley…
