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Senate kills HB 1004, but SB 10 still looms
02/26/2016

 

Long_and_Teachers.jpgA controversial teacher pay bill, HB 1004, that was up for a final vote in the Senate has been killed after teachers voiced their opposition through letters, email and social media. Teachers hoped their voices were finally heard and understood after Senate President Pro Tempore David Long (R – Fort Wayne) announced late Thursday that the Senate would not go forward with HB 1004.

 

“It is clear we need to go back to the drawing board, work with the education community and find the right approach to address this issue. I look forward to working with education leaders throughout the state to find the right answer,” Said Sen. Long in a statement.

 

The Senate chose not to hear HB 1004, but a bill by their colleague Sen. Jeff Raatz (R – Centerville), SB 10, has many of the same provisions as HB 1004. It is time for the House to follow their colleagues in the Senate and kill SB 10.

 

There is nothing teachers want more than to work together on these issues and others. Teachers solve problems every day locally with their school administrators, and they want to work with legislative leaders in the statehouse as well.

 

Making great public schools that provide an excellent education for every kid, no matter their zip code, is a priority for every educator. A crucial step in accomplishing this is to ensure there is a caring and qualified teacher in every classroom.

 

Teachers, more than anyone, know what it takes to recruit and retain quality teachers. Legislative leaders should sit down with teachers in their hometowns and listen to their stories, ideas and solutions. Teachers are in classrooms serving Hoosier children every day, and their opinions should count.

 

Frankly, with regard to both HB 1004 and SB 10, not only teachers, but a lengthy list of school superintendents expressed opposition.

 

We will continue to oppose SB 10 and ask that the House follow the Senate’s lead. We urge the House to drop SB 10 and, as Sen. Long said, “Go back to the drawing board and work with the education community and find the right approach.”