RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is proposing to give teachers a 5 percent pay boost next year.
The governor outlined parts of his upcoming state budget proposal Tuesday that would increase funding for K-12 education and shore up the state's rainy day fund.
Northam wants to spend $88 million to boost a 3 percent pay raise for teachers scheduled to take effect July 1, kicking it up to 5 percent. The governor said pay in Virginia is lagging the national average and making it harder to recruit and retain quality teachers. He's also proposing additional spending increases for at-risk students and school construction.
The governor's proposals will have to pass the Republican-controlled General Assembly next year to take effect. Northam, a Democrat, will introduce his full detailed budget plan next week.
