North Dakota teachers say they deserve a $1,500 raise, despite state budget problems.
"We need to be a priority. The Legislature needs to do whatever it takes, even if it means raising taxes," said Erin Mowers, a teacher at Fargo's Centennial Elementary School.
The 58th North Dakota Legislature opens today in Bismarck. Among the biggest issues facing lawmakers is Gov. John Hoeven's proposed 2003-05 budget, which calls for teacher raises of $1,500. The raise -- $500 in the first year and $1,000 in the second -- would come on top of the $3,000 per-teacher raise approved in 2001.
Hoeven's plan would raise state spending for the program by $31.3 million over the next two years. Some legislators wonder if that's a good idea, given North Dakota's projected $69 million budget deficit.
An Associated Press survey found that 65 of 141 legislators have reservations about the $1,500 raise, while 37 support it. The rest were undecided or didn't respond.
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Among those reluctant to spend more: Sen. Layton Freborg, R-Underwood, chairman of the Senate Education Committee, who told the Associated Press that boosting the per-teacher spending level wouldn't be prudent.
But Gloria Lokken, president of the North Dakota Education Association, said there's "good basic support" among legislators for raising teachers' salaries.
Few legislators want to reduce or eliminate the original $3,000 increase, she said.
"Retaining (the $3,000) is a given," Lokken said.
She's hopeful that legislators opposed to the $1,500 raise will change their minds.
"We'll be talking with them about it," she said.
Mowers, a veteran teacher who has lobbied in Bismarck for 20 years, said state lawmakers have long been negligent in raising teacher salaries. North Dakota teaching salaries rank near the bottom nationally.
Mowers said she understands that budget problems make some legislators leery of the $1,500 raise.
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"I know it's uncomfortable for them," she said. "But if the state is serious about education, it needs to be done."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Jonathan Knutson at (701) 241-5530
