Sen. Chuck Weaver (R-Peoria) had a few things to say at the Senate Education Committee May 15.
After recommending the adoption of many bills May 15, Weaver addressed HB4768, sponsored by Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), which adds six new statements to the school board member oath of office. Though the bill is agreed upon and all amendments were made, Weaver found the legislation duplicative.
“Can we talk about what we are trying to accomplish here,” Weaver asked.
Sen. Chuck Weaver (R-Peoria)
Illinois Education Association (IEA) Lobbyist Sean Denney said it is about school board members being good stewards of taxpayer funds.
“We thought it would show a spirit of partnership if we had the school board adding things to the oath that said we’re a team in this,” Denney said.
Denney said as far as duplication of the bill, though officials are not derelict in doing all they can to work efficiently, it is simply not reflected in the oath.
After giving his consent to Holmes' legislation, Weaver commented on SB2892, sponsored by Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), which would mandate new teachers be hired at no less than $32,000 annually.
Currently, the legislation mandates new hires are not paid less than $9,000 annually.
“This would set up a four-tier approach to get to $40,000,” Manar said, of the bill that he had originally set to start at $40,000.
When you apply the current law and add the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to today’s rate, $32,000 is the figure reached, he added.
“The previous $40,000 was based on the Employment Cost Index, which was a little bit greater when compounded to CPI,” Manar said.
Even with the alterations, Weaver rejected the bill.
“I will still be a 'no' vote for mandate perspective,” Weaver said.
The approach phase in the four-tier salary raise to $40,000 would begin in 2019, according to Manar, who said if the state stays on the current course of the evidence-based funding formula model the bill can successfully fund the rise in salaries.
“I do think you have tried to work on this and I appreciate you for that,” Weaver said.
SB2892 passed through committee 8-2 and was moved to the Senate floor.
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