For Immediate Release:
April 8, 2004
Senator Kenneth Corn
Teacher Health Insurance Measure Passes Senate
A bill that would pay 100 percent of state
teacher’s single insurance premiums has cleared yet
another legislative hurdle. HB 2662 authored by Senator
Kenneth
Corn and House of Representatives Speaker Larry
Adair would provide state teacher’s with much
needed financial relief.
The measure provides that all state teachers and principals
receive 100 percent of their single insurance premiums under
the Health Choice High Option to be paid for by the state.
An important amendment was also made to HB 2662 to protect
teachers from losing a portion of their salary.
“I am very pleased this vital piece of legislation
has passed the Senate and will continue in the legislative
process,” stated the Democrat Senator from Poteau.
“For too long state teachers have been under-paid
and under-appreciated and HB 2662 is an effort by the State
Legislature to send teachers the message that they are a
top priority. The education of Oklahoma’s youth is
in the hands of our wonderful teachers and it is time they
receive the benefits they deserve.”
The amendment was made in the Senate to take out the provision
that some school districts are using. Under current law,
a school district can take a portion of a teacher’s
minimum salary to pay for the district’s portion of
health insurance costs, which is termed “backing out.”
The teacher’s are still required to pay their portion
of what the district and state does not cover, which essentially
is double-dipping.
The amendment repeals the law that allows school districts
to back a portion of their insurance premium payments from
the teacher’s minimum salary. The Senate also restored
the title of HB 2662, which will enable it to move through
the process without needing a conference committee hearing.
“The amendment now allows teachers to fully enjoy
the benefits of having 100 percent of their insurance premiums
paid by the state and the school districts,” stated
Speaker Adair, a democrat from Stilwell.
HB 2662 will now go back to the House of Representatives
to consider the Senate amendment. If the amendment is approved
by the House and the bill receives a majority vote, HB 2662
will then move forward to the Governor’s
desk for his signature.
For
more information contact:
Senate
Communications Office - (405) 521-5774
