Flanked by teachers, public education groups, and other democrats, State Representative James Talarico on Tuesday announced House Bill 1548, which he says will give Texas teachers the largest pay bump in state history.
The legislation would provide a $15,000 across-the-board pay raise to educators and a 25% pay raise for school support staff, including nurses and bus drivers.
“Our schools face historic learning loss and an escalating mental health crisis in the aftermath of COVID, political attacks from the most powerful politicians in the country, a rise in school shootings, and unsustainably low pay,” Talarico said.
If approved and ultimately signed by the governor, pay raises included in HB 1548 would make Texas the 7th highest state in average teacher pay. According to Talarico, passage would also help lower property taxes, all while leaving billions in unused state funds.
“This moment demands bold action and that’s what our state is known for,” said Talarico. “House Bill 1548 would be the biggest teacher pay raise in Texas history. In Texas, we go big or we go home. Let’s go big on teacher pay.”
It’s unclear what sort of traction Talarico’s bill might find in the legislature.
