State representative Jessica Gonzalez has filed a pair of bills that would help out those who work at public schools or open enrollment charter schools. One establishes a 15 dollar an hour minimum wage. That bill would likely most affect support staff such as food service workers, custodians and bus drivers.
"I feel they deserve more than 15 dollars an hour because it's really not a livable wage. This is an important first step and I think it sends a message about not only how invaluable they are, not only to our state but to our country as well."
A second bill would double the state's annual contribution to employee health care plans from $900 to $1800 per fiscal year. The Dallas Democrat says "Employees of Texas public school system are currently battling Covid on the front lines in an effort to take care of and educate our children. They are putting themselves at risk and the last thing they need to do is worry about healthcare."
Zeph Capo, President of the Texas AFT, issued the following statement in support of the HB's 732 and 733: "At a time when school employees are on the frontline of a global pandemic, they should not have to worry about the cost of healthcare. But wages have stayed mostly stagnant in Texas, healthcare costs for school employees and retirees have risen, and our teachers and support staff have been left to pick up an increasing share of their own insurance costs. It's unacceptable. To be clear: This is not a living wage, and there is more work to be done on affordable healthcare, but these bills are important first steps. They send a message about fair compensation for these invaluable workers."
