Senate Bill to Provide Clarification for State Teachers

State teachers and administrators will receive further clarification regarding their benefits if State Senator Kenneth Corn (D-Poteau) has his way. The Senator is the primary author of SB 715, which will require the district board of education to provide an itemized list of all salary and benefit allowances and deductions.

SB 715 passed the Senate floor Wednesday March 12th by a unanimous vote. It is now on its way to the House of Representatives to be heard in the respective committee.

“I am very pleased this vital piece of legislation has passed the Senate and will continue in the legislative process,” said Senator Corn. “I believe it is important for state educators and administrators to have a break down of their benefit allowances and deductions so that they can have further clarification on their salary statements. This piece of legislation will enable them to see what they are making in real dollars.”

If SB 715 is signed into law by the Governor, it will take effect at the beginning of the 2004-05 school year. The State Department of Education will be required to include the salary breakdowns in its annual personnel report and each district will provide the teachers and administrators with a printout each pay period.

“Again, this bill provides the teachers and administrators with a greater understanding of where they stand with in their retirement investments, their health care allowance and deductions as well as other district paid benefits such as dental, vision, life and disability insurance. Every state employee except for teachers and administrators receive this information and SB 715 will ensure that everyone receives the same breakdown,” state Senator Corn.

The legislation must be heard in the House of Representatives before the next deadline of April 3rd for committee action from legislation from the opposite chamber.