Lawmakers agree teacher pay raises needed, but money is tight

Oklahoma ought to pay teachers more but probably won’t anytime soon, lawmakers at a Tulsa Regional Chamber legislative breakfast said Friday.

“Teacher raises are a hot topic and there are a lot of proposals out there, but until we find a revenue source they’re unrealistic,” said state Sen. J.J. Dossett, D-Owasso.

“Everyone is there,” said Dossett, a former teacher. “The pressure is on this session, so I hope we find a way to prove we’re willing to do something.”

“We’re hearing a lot on teacher pay,” said state Rep. Michael Rogers, R-Broken Arrow, chairman of the House Common Education Committee. “It’s the No. 1 priority we’re hearing about from constituents. Policy-wise, there isn’t a lot they want changed.”

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