Coronavirus Latest: Bill To Make Sure Pennsylvania Teachers Get Paid During Shutdown Heads To Governor's Desk
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A bill to make sure Pennsylvania teachers get paid during the coronavirus crisis is on its way to the governor's desk. The state legislature passed the Emergency School Code Bill, which makes sure that anyone working for a Pennsylvania school on March 13 would be paid the same through the pandemic.
It also guarantees school employees will not see their pension credit or contributions reduced in any way.
UPDATE: This just passed in the House unanimously and is now onto the Senate for final consent https://t.co/vu85xQvgAx
— Matt Petrillo (@MattPetrillo) March 25, 2020
Gov. Tom Wolf said he will sign it.
The issue appeared to be non-partisan.
"To ensure that teachers are paid regardless, whether or not they're able to go back to school," said Democratic state Rep. Joanna McClinton.
Starting Wednesday, the House is also voting remotely.
"Yesterday was the first day since I think 1684, when the House of Representatives was created, that we were able to vote from home," added Rep. Stephens. "I gotta tell you it was great being able to vote in gym shorts and a T-shirt."
"So it's a new challenge but we're managing it," said McClinton, who is the caucus chair, meaning she facilitates discussions around legislation.