Today NC House Republicans voted as a block against two amendments to provide bonuses for teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and other non-certified public education workers.

The amendments to SB 818 would have provided larger bonuses to teachers than what was included in the original bill.  More importantly, the amendments would have provided bonuses to left out workers such as bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and others who work in our public schools who receive nothing in the bill.

Two amendments to offer better pay were voted down by the House Republicans, one by Rep. Rachel Hunt (D-Mecklenburg) and one by Rep. Kandie Smith (D-Pitt).

“You would all agree that our non-certified staff, our cafeteria workers, our bus drivers, our custodians, our teacher assistants, desperately need a $1000 bonus that they would’ve gotten with my amendment,” said Rep. Rachel Hunt (D-Mecklenburg). “I also know you would agree that our teachers need more than $300. I would’ve added $900 to their bonuses to equal $1250.” 

Every worker in our public schools affects our children’s lives and, throughout this Pandemic, they have been working harder than ever to get our students not only their education but also putting food on their table and to stay healthy. 

“We have people on the front lines, working without ceasing, even risking their lives,” said Rep. Kandie Smith (D-Pitt).  “We need to take responsibility to take care of the bus drivers and cafeteria workers who are taking care of our children.”