Bill introduced to federally raise teacher salaries to $60k

A Bill to raise the minimum salary for public school teachers to $60,000 was introduced to Congress by Rep. Frederica Wilson on Wednesday.

“I think that the pandemic itself gave us a great snapshot view of how important teachers are,” Wilson told ABC News. “This is a period in our history that we should realize the value of our children having access to good teachers and good education.”

The Bill, known as the American Teacher Act, is being co-led by Rep. Jamaal Bowman and sponsored by Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson.

Wilson is hopeful the next Congress, which starts in Janurary, can pass the bill through the House and Senate to get approval from the President.

“The proposal is supported by a coalition of more than 50 advocacy groups with a range of differing ideologies and education leaders, including two Obama education secretaries, Arne Duncan and John B. King Jr.,” said Wilson.