House Approves Rewritten Teacher Pay Bill

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho House panel has signed off on an expansive plan to boost teacher pay in Idaho over the next five years.

The House Education Committee unanimously approved the plan costing roughly $123 million on Friday. The bill would bump teacher pay up to $32,700 a year starting in July, and slowly increase to $37,000 by 2020. The plan depends on state revenue increasing 5.2 percent each year in order to fully fund it.

Friday's vote came after lawmakers shot down two prior versions. However, this proposal has the support of the governor and legislative leaders, and the committee's approval suggests the bill is more likely to survive both chambers.