Mississippi teacher pay-raise bills die at deadline amid legislative gridlock
Bills that would have increased teacher salaries failed to advance by a Tuesday deadline at the Mississippi Capitol, leaving proposed raises unapproved and prompting lawmakers to blame the other chamber, Mississippi Today reported.
Mississippi teachers earn an average of $53,704, the lowest in the nation, and starting teachers make a little more than $42,000, Mississippi Today reported. Educators say a 2022 pay increase was quickly eaten up by higher insurance premiums and inflation, and many have taken second jobs to make ends meet. “It’s incredibly disappointing,” said Jason Reid, a DeSoto County teacher who drives a school bus before and after work, according to Mississippi Today.
The Senate proposed a $2,000 increase and the House proposed a $5,000 raise, but both chambers failed to act before the deadline for committees to pass bills originating in the opposite chamber, Mississippi Today reported. Senate Education Chairman Dennis DeBar, R-Leakesville, told Mississippi Today, “Senate Bill 2001 has been in the House since the second day of the session,” and said he had expected collaboration. House Education Chairman Rob Roberson, R-Starkville, declined to call another meeting before the March 3 deadline, Mississippi Today reported.
The standoff followed clashes over school choice legislation this session. The Senate killed House Bill 2, an omnibus school choice bill backed by House Speaker Jason White, and the House double-referred many Senate education bills, a tactic critics say can kill legislation, Mississippi Today reported. DeBar said he plans to seek a one-time bonus by amending the Mississippi Department of Education appropriations bill, but he acknowledged appropriations language cannot change general law, making any payment temporary, Mississippi Today reported.
Advocates and lawmakers expressed frustration and urged a longer-term solution. “Educators, just like other constituents, expect their legislators to come to Jackson and to take care of the state’s business,” Kelly Riley, leader of Mississippi Professional Educators, said, according to Mississippi Today. Lawmakers said a special session called by Gov. Tate Reeves or suspending rules to revive a pay bill could be options, and talks between chamber leaders were continuing, Mississippi Today reported.
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