Under Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R), Floridians keep winning, and Democrats like Andrew Gillum keep scratching their heads in frustration.
Thus far, DeSantis’ job approval transcends across political lines, and now that he has announced a massive minimum pay raise for more than 101,000 teachers statewide, Democrats will have a higher mountain to climb in their effort to defeat him in 2022.
Teachers and their unions for the most part vote Democrat, and usually push back against and Republican initiative they deem being a threat to their bottom line, but what can they say if they get a big raise?
If and when the $600 million raise goes through, Florida’s national teacher ranking will jump from 26th to 2nd.
Because the Republican-led state legislature must approve of the money, DeSantis made the announcement in Clay County with Senate Appropriations Chairman Rob Bradley and Education Secretary Richard Corcoran.
The teacher minimum salary will be raised to $47,500
“We are experiencing a teacher shortage in Florida,” said Governor DeSantis. “With a strong economy and plenty of jobs available in other fields, unfortunately too many college graduates are unwilling to enter the teaching profession. My proposal to increase the minimum salary for teachers to $47,500 will help alleviate this shortage and elevate the teaching profession to the level of appreciation it deserves. This is long overdue, and I look forward to working with the legislature to make this a reality.”
“Getting a great teacher in front of every child is the number one proven way to get great outcomes for students,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “Today, Governor Ron DeSantis is elevating Florida’s teachers like never before and is making a statement nationally that Florida is the Education State and he is the Education Governor. Florida going from number 26 to number 2 in the nation in starting pay sends a clear signal to Florida’s teachers and our entire education family that we are ready to celebrate our teachers and foster lifelong success for our students.”
Governor DeSantis announced his proposal during a visit to Middleburg High School in Clay County, where he was joined by Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran and Senate Appropriations Chairman Rob Bradley. This afternoon, he will visit Bayview Elementary School in Broward County and Dunedin High School in Pinellas County.
Teachers have made an incredibly positive impact on my life and the lives of my wife and kids,” said Senator Rob Bradley. “This session, it’s time to say thank you both in word and in deed. I’m proud to stand with Governor Ron DeSantis as we fight for higher pay for Florida teachers.”
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