The Hardest-Working Paper in America | 
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Springfield News Chicago

Rauner vetoes bill raising Illinois minimum teacher salaries

By  Associated Press
   
SHARE Rauner vetoes bill raising Illinois minimum teacher salaries
illinois_governor_2018_taxes_73874501_e1535373910821.jpg

Gov. Bruce Rauner has a vetoed bill that would have given public school teachers an annual minimum salary of $40,000 over the next five years. | AP file photo

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Bruce Rauner has a vetoed bill that would have given public school teachers an annual minimum salary of $40,000 over the next five years.

Legislators approved the bill in May for increasing the minimum full-time teacher pay, saying the step would help attract and keep more teachers. It would have made next school year’s minimum pay about $32,000.

Rauner says he vetoed the bill Sunday because the minimum pay is an inefficient way to compensate teachers and is an unfunded mandate on school districts. The Republican governor says districts should consider steps such as merit pay and extra money for teachers in difficult-to-staff schools or subjects.

Democratic gubernatorial nominee J.B. Pritzker says Rauner is denying pay raises to educators while the state is facing a growing teacher shortage.

Next Up In Politics
CPS’ selective, magnet schools appear to take hit under new equity funding formula
Oberweis Dairy says it found two potential buyers following Chapter 11 bankruptcy
$5 million fund to aid Chicago students with disabilities
An empty chair at Passover Seder, affixed with a picture of a hostage
House next to Obamas' Kenwood home, once linked to Tony Rezko, nears completion
Toni Preckwinkle unanimously wins another term running Cook County Democratic Party
The Latest
mayorsmeeting04-18-24StaceyGreeneFenlon1stchair.jpg
Outdoors
First woman chairs Chicago fishing advisory committee
Stacey Greene-Fenlon became the first woman and first person not connected to Chicago government to chair the Chicago fishing advisory committee on Thursday.
By Dale Bowman
 
Drinks That Do More. A can of Celsius, a fitness drink that is supposed to accelerate metabolism and burn body fat, is shown on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in New York. The frenzy of functional beverages – drinks designed to do more than just taste good or hydrate - has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Eat Well
With 'functional' beverages, brands rush to quench a thirst for drinks that do more than just taste good
Nutritionists say the general trend of consumers seeking out healthier beverages is a good one. But experts also say people should be cautious and read ingredient labels.
By Associated Press
 
BLUESCLUB-041624 1.jpg
Music
After years of delays, Lee's Unleaded Blues reopening and vowing to celebrate musicmakers and the community
The beloved South Side blues club will kick off its long-awaited return with two shows featuring John Primer and the Real Deal.
By Erica Thompson
 
Quarterback Caleb Williams, wearing a T-shirt with SC and 13 printed on it, raises his arm, football in hand, preparing to throw.
Other Views
NFL draft day: How teams legally collude to restrict draftees' rights and choices
Sports leagues benefit from two technical points that allow collusion.
By Eldon Ham
 
SOLDIERFIELD-031224-09.jpeg
Bears
Bears to reveal how they want to pay for a domed lakefront stadium — and what it will look like
Just a day before the Bears are expected to use the first pick in the NFL draft to draft quarterback-of-the-future Caleb Williams, the team will announce their plans for a state-of-the-art, publicly-owned stadium on the lakefront. The plans, according to the team, will include “additional green and open space with access to the lakefront for families and fans on the Museum Campus.”
By Fran Spielman