- April 18, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday proposed including $480 million in the 2013-2014 proposed budget to support a $2,500 pay increase for all full-time, classroom public teachers in Florida.
Scott announced the news while speaking at Ocoee Middle School, in Orlando.
“I can think of no better investment for our state than investing in those teachers who work on the frontline of Florida’s future every day by teaching our children,” Scott said.
The full budget, which will be released in the coming weeks, will need to pass the Legislature before it can be signed into law. It will also need to be collectively bargained at the district level to be implemented.
The increase will also include related benefits, Scott said.
Earlier this month, the Florida Supreme Court upheld a law signed by Scott that requires public employees to contribute 3% of their salary for pensions.
“By 2014, Florida teachers will be a part of our performance pay structure that will help attract and advance the most high-performing teachers in our education system,” Scott added.
Katie Hansen, president of the Flagler County Educators Association, said that while the pay increase would certainly be welcomed by teachers across the state, it’s important to keep the proposal in context.
“Teachers, along with educational support professionals, law enforcement, fire fighters, and other public workers, have had 3% taken from their salaries since July 2011,” Hansen said. “Additionally, many districts, including Flagler, have not seen salary increases in more than five years.”
Hansen said Flagler educators have received step increases for the past three years, but it doesn’t offset the increases in insurance and cost of living.
“Most importantly, while the governor can propose this increase, the real question becomes: Where will the money come from?” Hansen said.
Some questioned Scott’s motives.
Just two years ago, he cut funding for education. But in a statement, Scott defended his moves, citing lower unemployment and a recovering housing market since he has taken office.
“That is why last year, as soon as we were able to, we invested $1 billion into our K-12 education system,” Scott said.
Hansen warns it could become another unfunded idea passed down from the state.
“It would be unfair for the state to pass the buck to the districts and leave them scrambling to implement this pay increase without additional funding,” she said.
