Senate panel passes teacher pay measure

A Senate panel on Wednesday passed a measure calling for a teacher pay increase.

But officials have yet to identify a funding source at a time the state is facing a $878 million budget hole and is currently in a revenue failure.

House Bill 1114, by Rep. Michael Rogers, R-Broken Arrow, and Sen. Jason Smalley, R-Stroud, would provide a $6,000 teacher pay raise over three years.

The measure passed the Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Education. It heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The measure is expected to cost between $312 million and $315 million when fully implemented, Smalley said.

The measure would provide a $1,000 raise the first year, a $2,000 increase the second year and a $3,000 hike the third year.

Sen. J.J. Dossett, D-Owasso, asked if a funding mechanism had been identified.

Smalley said lawmakers need to identify a funding stream, but that he hoped to keep the process moving.

Sen. Ron Sharp, R-Shawnee, said some superintendents in his districts are concerned that the measure will not cover benefits, forcing schools to pay for it.

Smalley said he believed the benefits would be covered.

“The goal is to put more money in teachers’ pockets, reward them and keep them from going out of state,” Smalley said.