House Passes Bill To Raise Teacher Pay, Union Says “April 2 is still on”

• Emily Wendler
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  Emily Wendler joined KOSU in February 2015, following graduate school at the University of Montana. While studying Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism with an emphasis on agriculture, a professor introduced her to radio and she fell in love. The Cincinnati native has since reported for KBGA, University of Montana’s college radio station, and Montana’s PBS Newsbrief. She was a finalist in a national in-depth radio reporting competition for an investigatory piece she produced on campus rape. She also produced in-depth reports on wind energy and local food for Montana Public Radio. Since moving to Oklahoma, Emily's work has won many awards and has been featured on NPR's Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

In a late-night attempt to stave off a statewide teacher walkout, the Oklahoma House passed a series of bills that gives teachers a $5,000 to $7,000 raise – depending on their experience.

The package of bills also raises pay for school support staff and state employees, however it’s not clear if the legislation – as written – is enough to keep teachers from descending on the Capitol on April 2nd.

In a brief statement, the state’s largest teachers union — the Oklahoma Education Association — said it’s is a step in the right direction, “but our ask is still our ask.”

The union wants a $10,000 pay raise over three years. If lawmakers don’t hit the $10,000 mark this session, the union wants assurances lawmakers will increase pay over the next two years.

Debate on the measures now starts in the Senate.