Bill on yearly New Mexico teacher salary jumps gets 1st test

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A proposal that would incrementally increase minimum salaries for New Mexico teachers and principals faces its first test.
The bill sponsored by Democratic Sen. Mimi Stewart of Albuquerque is heading to the House Education Committee on Wednesday amid a push from Democrats to give New Mexico educators pay hikes.
Under the plan, the starting salary for Level 1 teachers would go from $36,000 a year to $40,000 in 2020. The salary eventually would jump to $45,000 by 2022.
The proposal also calls for Level II teacher pay jumps from $44,000 a year to $55,000 by 2022.
Level III teacher pay would go from $54,000 to $65,000 by 2022.
Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has vowed to increase teacher pay by 6 percent.