A bill that would increase California teacher and classified school employee salaries by 50% over the next decade passed the Assembly Education Committee unanimously on April 10.
Assembly Bill 477 would increase statewide school funding incrementally through 2036-37. The additional funding would allow school districts to increase staff pay.
Teachers earn 23.5% less than other college graduates with comparable degrees, which keeps many graduates from entering the teaching profession, according to a legislative analysis of the bill.
“California is the world’s fifth largest economy,” said Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, author of the bill. “We need to invest in our students and our educators to support student success and grow a globally competitive workforce. Our teachers and essential school staff have been underpaid for far too long. It’s time for California to start paying its educators a fair wage.”
The bill has been referred to the Committee on Appropriations for consideration.
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