LANSING — The state House of Representatives passed legislation last week that would freeze teachers’ salaries and benefit levels during contract negotiations, according to the Michigan Information & Research Service Inc.
Rep. Mark Meadows, D-East Lansing, argued that House Bill 4152 was unconstitutional because the Civil Service Commission has authority in such matters, MIRS reported.
But House Education Committee Chairman Paul Scott, R-Grand Rapids, said, “When a contract is over, it’s over. That’s all this bill certifies. ... There’s no constitutional right to a pay increase after a contract expires.”
SOURCE:
Michigan Information & Research Service Inc., “Pay freeze during
negotiations bill passes,” March 10, 2011
FURTHER READING:
Mackinac Center for Public Policy, “Common School Funding Myths,” Sept. 7,
2010
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