Illinois lawmakers close to requiring $40,000 teacher minimum pay

Illinois lawmakers are now one vote away from sending legislation to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's desk that would mandate a minimum $40,000 annual salary for the state's teachers. Opponents say it will result in property tax hikes, particularly in downstate school districts.

Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, ushered Senate Bill 10 out of the Senate last month. House Bill 2078 was amended to match Manar’s earlier bill that would require the $40,000 minimum salary by 2023.

The legislation passed along partisan lines Wednesday.

“It would establish a minimum teacher salary in the state beginning in the 2020 school year of just over $32,000 and phase that up over the next four years,” Manar said.

Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/illinois-lawmakers-close-to-requiring-teacher-minimum-pay/article_e58960d8-8320-11e9-a63d-774295e09672.html