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W.Va. Republicans Pitch Education Bill, Allows For Charter Schools But Doesn't Include Vouchers

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - West Virginia Senate Republicans have pitched a broad-based education plan that allows for charter schools but doesn't include vouchers.

Senate President Mitch Carmichael released a lengthy draft of the proposal late Friday and says it's a compromise that folds in many ideas backed by Democrats.

The legislation includes a pay raise for teachers, mental health services for students and a provision that would withhold pay for teachers if a school is closed because of a strike.

Republican Gov. Jim Justice issued a statement praising the bill as a bipartisan effort to better the state's education system.

Senate Democratic Minority Leader Roman Prezioso also released a statement saying they want to fully review the bill but that they are glad to have some common ground to move forward on.

(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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