Talks for the 2019-2020 state budget began Monday in Baton Rouge.
One item that seems to be on the agendas of both the Republican and Democratic lawmakers is teacher pay raises.
Metairie Rep. Cameron Henry drafted House Bill 105 — which includes a $104 million increase in K-12 school funding. That is enough to cover the governor’s proposed $1,000 raise for teachers and $500 raise for school support staffers.
Discussions on the budget will continue through Wednesday.
Education advocates in the state support teacher pay raises but the specifics are what divide them.
The spring legislative session begins Monday, April 8, and a budget must be approved.