Debate On Teacher Pay Increase Stalled In State House

legislatureMembers of the House Wednesday afternoon postponed a vote to increase education funding through a procedural motion meant to delay a vote on an amendment to HB 1182.  That bill is the half penny sales tax increase proposed by Governor Dennis Daugaard designed to provide an addition revenue source for increasing teacher pay.  Many teachers and administrators from across the state filled the House Gallery wearing “Be Bold” buttons in support of the bill.  Before the motion to delay, Representative Lee Schoenbeck  says South Dakota is in an “emergency situation”…

Teacher Vote 1

The amendment that delayed the vote was brought by Representative Jeff Partridge of Rapid City. Partridge says it would draw internet sales tax in the long term…

Teacher Vote 2

Representative Jim Stalzer of Sioux Falls made the motion to delay the vote and was supported by at least one-fifth of the House, as per statute.  Debate on the bill will continue this afternoon.