TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL STAFF CAN TAKE PAID ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE IF THEY CONTRACT COVID-19 UNDER A BILL PASSED BY THE HOUSE THIS WEEK. 

THE LEGISLATION IS SIMILAR TO ONE VETOED LAST YEAR BUT HAS ONE MAJOR CHANGE. ONLY TEACHERS WHO HAVE BEEN VACCINATED CAN TAKE ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE INSTEAD OF SICK TIME. IT’S SUPPORTED BY REPRESENTATIVE KATIE STUART OF COLLINSVILLE.

REPRESENTATIVE KEITH WHEELER ARGUED AGAINST THE MEASURE, QUESTIONING WHY OTHER FRONT-LINE WORKERS AREN’T GETTING THE SAME FLEXIBILITY.

OPPONENTS ARGUED THIS IS JUST ANOTHER VACCINE MANDATE. THE BILL NOW MOVES TO THE SENATE.