EDUCATION REFORM: Full Senate To Consider Bill

The Senate Education Committee approved an education reform bill on Thursday.

Members voted along party lines with 9 yes votes and 6 no.

The senate’s version of the bill includes some aspects of Governor Branstad’s reform plan including raising the minimum starting salary for teachers to $35,000.

The senate plan differs from the Governor’s by investing $190 million in education instead of $145 million.  They also agreed to a 4 percent allowable growth rate for the next two years, which Branstad wanted to do away with all together.

The plan now moves to the full senate for debate.