Mississippi News
An even larger teacher pay raise appears to be on track in Mississippi Legislature
An even larger teacher pay raise appears to be on track in Mississippi Legislature
House and Senate negotiators tentatively agreed Wednesday — pending the numbers crunch out — on a massive Mississippi teacher pay raise, one that would provide an average raise of $5,100 in the coming school year.
The proposed raise has now grown from about $210 million early in this year's legislative session to $246 million, with Senate negotiators adding about $20 million, mostly for larger five-year pay “bumps” for experienced teachers in their counter offer to the House Wednesday. Otherwise, the Senate leaders agreed to most of the proposal the House sent them late last week, including doing the raise in one year instead of stretching it out over two.
“Let's get this (agreement) knocked out and maybe get this passed in the next day or two,” Senate Education Chairman Dennis DeBar told House colleagues at a conference meeting on House Bill 530.
Rep. Kent McCarty, part of the House delegation that met with Senate leaders Wednesday, said, “We want to see this pay raise done as quickly as possible … I certainly have no issues, as far as policy, this accomplishes our mission. We will just have to look at the plan with our budget people … We will act very quickly on this and respond promptly. Let's get this done.”
Reps. Keven Felsher and Jansen Owen also expressed optimism that a final deal is nigh after meeting with senators.
The potential deal marks rare detente between the House and Senate near the end of a legislative session dominated by a standoff between the Republican leadership of the chambers over tax cuts. The House wants to eliminate the state personal income tax. The Senate is proposing tax cuts, but says the House plan is too risky during uncertain economic times. Speaker Philip Gunn has threatened to hold up other measures and spending over the income tax issue, including spending of billions in federal pandemic stimulus spending.
READ MORE: House offers ‘compromise' teacher pay raise, but Senate says it wasn't in on the compromising
Education advocates have feared the teacher pay raise would get caught up in the tax standoff. Earlier in the session, the House killed the Senate pay raise bill without a vote. The Senate reluctantly passed the House bill after making changes to keep the pay raise alive.
“We believe the Legislature is working together to deliver this,” said Antonio Castanon Luna, executive director of the Mississippi Association of Educators. “We are glad they are moving quickly.” Many teachers attended the conference meeting Wednesday, and Luna said more than 100 teachers were visiting the Capitol as part of a previously planned conference.
Mississippi's teacher pay by several metrics is the lowest in the nation, and the state has struggled to recruit and retain teachers.
The latest proposal would raise starting teacher pay to an average of $41,638, higher than both the southeastern starting average of $39,754 and the national average of $41,163.
With the Senate's proposed changes Wednesday, teachers would receive pay increases from $1,200 to $1,350 every five years of service, depending on education and training. Senate leaders said teachers at hearings over the summer said such incentives would help retain experienced teachers.
READ MORE: House vs. Senate: How do their teacher pay plans compare?
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Record travel expected this Memorial Day weekend
SUMMARY: A record number of Americans are expected to travel by car this Memorial Day weekend, with 43.8 million people projected to travel 50 miles or more from home, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Road travelers are expected to reach a record 38.4 million, while 3.5 million are expected to fly. Demand for other modes of transportation is also rebounding from the pandemic, with an estimated 1.9 million people expected to take buses, trains, or cruises. Despite gas prices being similar to last year, they may increase due to fluctuating oil prices and geopolitical tensions. The travel industry is experiencing a surge in demand post-pandemic.
The post Record travel expected this Memorial Day weekend appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Scattered showers linger, with clearing for Wednesday and Thursday – Home – WCBI TV
SUMMARY: The weather forecast for Columbus, Mississippi shows scattered showers on Tuesday with temperatures reaching the low 80s. Tuesday night will bring a break from rain with overnight temperatures dropping into the lower 60s. Wednesday will be dry with temperatures in the lower to mid 80s, and late week will see mostly dry conditions on Thursday with rain chances returning in the evening. Friday will bring showers and temperatures increasing into the mid to upper 80s. Overall, the week will have variable rain chances and temperatures ranging from the 60s to the upper 80s.
The post Scattered showers linger, with clearing for Wednesday and Thursday – Home – WCBI TV appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Columbus police investigate burglaries at Littlewoods Mall
SUMMARY: Columbus police are investigating a series of burglaries at a shopping center, with five businesses being broken into. Security camera footage captured three individuals with bags and ropes approaching stores. Store owners like Stephanie Studdard and Emma Newman expressed frustration at the thefts, with Newman reporting several hundred dollars stolen from her store. Police advised residents and business owners to secure their properties and set alarms to deter burglars. The department received tips from the community and planned to meet with business owners to ensure safety and security. Social media and video footage were being used to identify suspects.
The post Columbus police investigate burglaries at Littlewoods Mall appeared first on www.wcbi.com
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