Amount of Mississippi teacher pay raise in dispute as house, senate consider budget
Published 5:05 pm Monday, March 25, 2019
Mississippi public school teachers could find out soon how large of a raise they will get in the coming year.
Legislative leaders are scheduled to meet Monday to discuss the revenue outlook for the budget year beginning July 1.
Deciding how much revenue they expect the state to collect is the key to other budget decisions, including how big of a raise teachers get.
Leaders proposed two $500 raises over the next two years, but House members sought a pair of $2,000 raises.
Republican House Speaker Philip Gunn of Clinton has indicated he’s leaning toward at least $1,000 for the upcoming year.
Lawmakers must also decide if they’ll provide raises for at least some state, university and community college employees.
Some lawmakers hope to conclude 2019’s regular session this week.