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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House of Representatives passed a bill Monday to increase teachers’ salaries to attract and retain more educators in math, science and special education fields.
HB203 would increase those teachers’ wages by $5,100 next year, with salaries increasing each year until they reach $10,000 above current annual salaries.
Bill sponsor Rep. Brad Last, R-Hurricane, said the raise is an essential incentive for educators to stay in high-demand fields that are struggling to retain effective educators.
“The message that I would like to send to the world and to students that are choosing professions (is) I want them to realize it doesn’t matter which district they go to in the state of Utah, they’re going to be compensated for their special training,” Last said.
In HB203's first year of implementation, it would cost the state $13.4 million. By the time salary raises reach their maximum in 2021, the state would be paying $42.4 million.
It doesn’t matter which district they go to in the state of Utah, they’re going to be compensated for their special training.
–Rep. Brad Last
Some lawmakers said they would rather support a bill that raises teacher salaries in all fields, not just math, science and special education.
“It’s not just math and science teachers that we’re struggling to keep in the schools,” said Rep. Joel Briscoe, D-Salt Lake City.
Rep. Jack Draxler, R-North Logan, said while it would be ideal to raise all teachers’ salaries, HB203 would be a good start.
“Let’s at least respond to the market forces that are the most severe right now,” Draxler said.
The House passed the bill with a 55-18 vote. HB203 now goes to the Senate for consideration.
