LAWMAKERS ARE TRYING AGAIN TO RAISE THE MINIMUM SALARY FOR TEACHERS IN ILLINOIS.

A SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVED A BILL THAT GRADUALLY INCREASES THE AMOUNT SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAVE TO PAY TEACHERS TO 40 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN 2023. SENATOR ANDY MANAR OF BUNKER HILL SAYS THE MINIMUM HASN’T BEEN UPDATED IN NEARLY 40 YEARS.

SENATOR JENNIFER BERTINO-TARRANT OF PLAINFIELD SAYS IT’S TIME FOR AN UPDATE.

OPPONENTS SAY WAGES SHOULD BE NEGOTIATED LOCALLY AND WORRY ABOUT THE ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL BURDEN TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS. SIMILAR LEGISLATION WAS VETOED LAST YEAR BY THE GOVERNOR.

THE MEASURE NOW MOVES TO THE SENATE FLOOR FOR A VOTE.