State Senate Passes Surprise Teacher Pay Raise Bill

The Senate called a meeting Wednesday evening, to vote on a plan that will raise teacher pay.

During the meeting, the Senate presented the plan for a 12.7 percent raise.  A $450 million bill that will include a $1 cigarette tax, a 6-cent per gallon gas and diesel tax and a raise on gross production from two to four percent passed by a vote of 35-11.

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They still have to vote on the actual funding.

House Democrats and the OEA are opposing it because it doesn't include support staff or increase education funding.

This is a developing story and will be updated with the latest.