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Last updated on Tuesday, April 12, 2011
(STATEHOUSE) - A move to limit teacher bargaining to wages and benefits is headed for the house floor, after a party-line committee vote.
Supporters, led by Governor Daniels and State School Superintendent Tony Bennett, argue the bill would free administrators to focus on education instead of having to negotiate over trivial matters, such as the color of the walls in the teachers' lounge.
Democrats and teachers' unions argue too much is being lumped in as trivial; at an absolute minimum, they say hours should be discussible at contract time, or any deal on wages could become meaningless.
Some Republicans did join Democrats in expressing discomfort over a provision allowing teachers facing possible firing to be suspended without pay until their hearing.
The Full House should vote on the bill next week.
The Senate has already approved the bill, but would have to vote again on the teacher-suspension provision and other changes made by the house.
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