| Rep Tom Gann and his several cosponsors of HB3440 are incurring significant resistance in passing the best legislation for getting teachers their first significant compensation increase in about 10 years. It's an election year and Democrats will be especially diligent in obstructing real resolutions that Republicans can take credit for. All 8 registered Democrats on the House Budget committee voted against this measure. But the 5 Liberals who caucus as Republicans also voted down the $169 million that currently goes into a sealed trust account. That account has well over $1 billion sitting dormant while teachers live off pay scales that were locked since 2008. To do the math, the average teacher in the state would get a $4,122 annual stipend, based on the performance of the School Land Trust. RINOs (Republican In Name Only) who voted with the Democrats include; Leslie Osborn, Mike Sanders, Weldon Watson, Pat Ownbey, & Earl Sears. |  |
Mike Sanders is attempting to be re-elected to a 6th term. Leslie Osborn is attempting to be elected as the State Labor Commissioner. Pat Ownbey has indicated he will not seek re-election. Weldon Watson & Earl Sears are 'termed out', meaning the constitution does not allow them to serve beyond this year (their 12th year in the legislature).
The House leadership has partnered with key members of the House Platform Caucus on this measure. It's expected that more such collaborations will continue in the weeks ahead. The Budget Chair, Kevin Wallace, has supported this measure. He replaced Leslie Osborn as chair last Summer, when Osborn's outspoken criticism of the legislature placed her at odds with the Speaker. Wallace held the roll open for the speaker and others to get to the committee and break a tie vote. Last Year, Osborn would have killed this bill without so much as a hearing in committee.
Of the 5 RINO votes on this tally, Only Osborn & Sanders are seeking elective office this June . Grassroots groups are seeking alternative candidates to file for office in opposition to these RINOs.
The House leadership has partnered with key members of the House Platform Caucus on this measure. It's expected that more such collaborations will continue in the weeks ahead. The Budget Chair, Kevin Wallace, has supported this measure. He replaced Leslie Osborn as chair last Summer, when Osborn's outspoken criticism of the legislature placed her at odds with the Speaker. Wallace held the roll open for the speaker and others to get to the committee and break a tie vote. Last Year, Osborn would have killed this bill without so much as a hearing in committee.
Of the 5 RINO votes on this tally, Only Osborn & Sanders are seeking elective office this June . Grassroots groups are seeking alternative candidates to file for office in opposition to these RINOs.
