NC Senate passes bill that would give teachers bonuses and other raises
The North Carolina Senate passed a bill Monday night that would give teachers and instructional support personnel one-time, $350 bonuses.
The vote on SB 818, which was 33-16, fell mostly along party lines. Some Democrats called the bonuses not enough, while others joined Republicans in voting for the bill. It also included $1,000 a year step-raises for teachers this coming school year.
Senate Minority Leader Dan Blue, a Wake County Democrat, urged his fellow senators to “do better” for teachers, “particularly when they’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty since March when they had to adapt quickly to teaching in a different way.”
The $350 bonuses would be paid by Oct. 31. Much of the debate on the Senate floor Monday night was a rehash of the 2019 budget fight, which centered on Medicaid expansion and teacher raises.
Democrats and Republicans could not agree on raises for teachers last year. While most other state employees received increases, teachers did not. A bill that would have given teachers 3.9% raises was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who called them “paltry.”
That word came up again on Monday night during the Senate debate.
Republican Sen. Rick Horner urged Democrats to vote for the bill, calling it money in the bag.
“It’s there, it’s laying right there,” Horner said.
Horner said he worried the bonus would be called “paltry” and get vetoed by Cooper.
“So do what you want but I’m telling you once again you’re missing an opportunity to give money to these teachers,” he said.
Sen. Deanna Ballard, a Boone Republican, talked about how much she values the school community.
“We’re being resourceful and thoughtful and super deliberate about this,” she said about the bonuses and step increases. “This is not a political ploy for whatever reason.”
The bill now goes to the House.
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This story was originally published June 15, 2020 at 9:59 PM.
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