COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A proposal that would restore small annual raises for almost all teachers in South Carolina is on its way to the Senate,
The House gave final approval Tuesday to the proposal which gives teachers “step raises,” which are increases of several hundred dollars a year teachers get for each year of service.
The Senate approved paying the step raises during a special session in September, but the House did not take up the resolution.
The House suspended the raises at the start of this school year because they were worried what the COVID-19 pandemic would do to state finances, but leaders promised they would review their decision in January with more time to see the impact the virus had on the economy.
Representatives voted unanimously to restore the raises this session when it appeared tax collections wouldn’t fall too far.
Under the proposal, the raises would be given in a lump sum by June 15.
Step raises for next school year and any other possible increases in teacher pay will be taken up in the full state budget which the House will consider over the next month or so.
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