For Immediate
Release: May 25, 2004
Audio
Clip
Senator Kenneth Corn
Senate Passes Pro-Teacher Legislation
The State Senate has given final approval
to two measures that will enhance the benefits of Oklahoma’s
educators today, according to State Senator Kenneth Corn.
Senate Bill 1134 and Senate Bill 1272 will both help to
properly compensate retired and current teachers.
SB 1134 would provide for a cost of living adjustment (COLA)
for retired members of the Teachers’ Retirement System
of Oklahoma based upon the retirement benefit amount and
the years of service of each retired member.
SB 1272 would provide for a salary increase schedule for
teachers according to their higher education degree as well
as their years of experience as a teacher. Teachers will
receive yearly pay raises, ranging from $300 for starting
teachers with a bachelor’s degree in the plan’s
first year to $1,400 for teachers with a master’s
degree and 15 years or more experience in the plan’s
fifth year.
“This has been a very positive legislative session
for Oklahoma’s educators. I am extremely pleased that
both the retirement and the pay raise measures have received
final Senate approval,” state the Democrat from Poteau.
“Oklahoma’s teachers are extremely important
to the success of our state. I believe it is time we give
them the benefits they deserve and provide those who have
already dedicated their life to teaching a much needed pay
increase.”
SB 1134 will also provide COLA increases for many other
retirement systems such as the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension
and Retirement System, the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement
System, the Uniform Retirement System for Justices and Judges,
the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, and the
Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System.
Senator Corn stated that “Oklahoma’s public
servants ensure the safety and protection of our citizens
on a daily basis. Those whom are now retired deserve boost
in their retirement benefits for their many years of service
and dedication to their duties.”
SB 1272 falls under Governor Henry's five year plan to increase
teacher's salary to the national average. The National Education
Association ranked Oklahoma educator’s salaries ranked
48th nationally and SB 1272 will work over the next five
years to improve the national ranking.
“This plan will not only keep our new teachers in
the state, but it will prevent our more experienced teachers
from moving to neighboring states,” stated Senator
Corn. “Oklahoma’s teacher certification process
has been nationally acclaimed and I want to do everything
possible to ensure that our teacher’s stay here to
further enhance our education system. SB 1272 will not only
provide Oklahoma teachers with a pay increase, but will
also guarantee an annual increase.”
“I am more than pleased that these two important measures
have received final passage in the Senate and will now go
to the House of Representatives to clear the final legislative
hurdle.”
For
more information contact:
Senate
Communications Office - (405) 521-5774
