Illinois school teachers may see a salary bump thanks to legislation poised for passage in the legislature. In education circles, this measure is nicknamed the “40k bill,” because it would make $40,000 the minimum salary for teachers by the time school starts in fall 2023. That means salaries would begin ramping up in fall 2020, to a minimum of $32,000.
In Illinois, some teachers make as little as $26,000 per year.
State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington), objected, calling the measure an "unfunded mandate."
"This prospective change in law could have a detrimental effect on property taxes, and in fact require some districts to raise property taxes,” he said. “As a result, I stand in opposition of the bill and request a ‘no’ vote."
State Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) sponsors the legislation. He added a provision that could channel state funds to districts that need help to comply.
"It directs the Professional Review Panel to submit a report that would contain directions on how state funds could flow through our new school funding formula to aid districts that need that help to bridge the gap in teachers salaries," Manar said.
The bill has a few technical hurdles to clear, but appears headed to the governor for his signature.
