Efforts to empower teachers in controversial teacher pay bill fail
02/23/2016

 

Three amendments to improve a controversial teacher pay bill failed Monday on the Senate floor. The bill, HB 1004, is now eligible for a final vote as early as today.

 

HB 1004 would allow administrators to bypass local teacher associations and award bonuses to whatever teacher they deem to be in a “hard-to-fill” position.  Sen. Vaneta Becker (R – Evansville) offered an amendment that would have allowed allow local teachers to bargain the supplemental pay offered to teachers in “hard-to-fill” positions.

 

In speaking against the amendment, Sen. Dennis Kruse (R – Auburn) said that superintendents have asked for flexibility in helping hire teachers. Kruse said this flexibility included bypassing collective bargaining agreements.

 

During closing discussion on the amendment, Sen. Becker read a lengthy list of names of superintendents from around the state who oppose HB 1004 for bypassing the productive bargaining process and creating overwhelming administrative burdens.

 

“This bill is unfair and causes a lot of problems for school corporations,” said Sen. Becker. The amendment failed 29 – 20.

 

Sen. Karen Tallian (D – Portage) introduced two amendments that addressed the 401(k)-style defined contribution aspects of HB 1004.

 

The first amendment would have sent the pension language of the bill to a summer study committee, and the second would have allowed teachers to change their mind  after choosing the defined contribution plan.

 

In speaking against Tallian’s second amendment, Sen. Kruse argued that young people don’t want a pension. He cited his sons as examples. Both of Sen. Tallian’s amendments failed.

 

HB 1004 is now up for a final vote as early as this afternoon. ISTA encourages everyone to continue contacting your senator, and ask them to vote “no” to HB 1004.