Louisiana Senate Bill SR164

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/30/18
• Refer: 5/1/18
• Report Pass: 5/7/18
• Passed: 5/8/18

Caption

Requests the governor and BESE to work with the legislature to increase the average pay of public school teachers.

Impact

Should this resolution lead to legislative measures, it could have significant effects on the overall compensation structure for educators in Louisiana. With the average teacher salary currently lagging behind the Southern region average, this resolution could prompt initiatives aimed at securing additional funding mechanisms that would allow for salary increases. This step is vital given the ongoing teacher shortage within the state and the pressing need to ensure that every classroom is staffed with highly qualified teachers.

Summary

Senate Resolution 164, introduced by Senator Morrish, urges the governor and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to collaborate with the legislature to investigate funding options aimed at increasing the average salary of public school teachers in Louisiana. The resolution emphasizes the importance of competitive salaries in attracting and retaining high-quality educators, identifying a current salary deficit compared to the Southern region average. It advocates for legislative action to elevate teacher pay, thereby improving job satisfaction and educational outcomes for students across the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR164 appears to be largely positive, as it expresses broad appreciation for the dedication of Louisiana's teachers and acknowledges their vital role in providing quality education. There is a shared understanding among lawmakers that increasing teacher salaries is essential for improving both job retention rates and the educational environment. However, any proposed measures to increase funding would need to navigate potential budgetary constraints and competing fiscal priorities, which could lead to mixed opinions on practical execution.

Contention

While SR164 requests action from the governor and BESE, it does not bind them to specific outcomes, which may result in some contention over the methods employed to secure funding. Discussions may arise about the best avenues for raising teacher salaries, including potential cuts to other educational programs or the need for new taxes. The resolution's non-binding nature leaves room for legislators to disagree on the urgency and methods of addressing teacher compensation.