Gunn, a Republican hailing from Clinton, stated that many state employees, community college and university staff would also be eligible for raises under the currently in development plan. However, not as much as school teachers. Gunn and Lt. Governor. Tate Reeves (who presides over Senate) spoke optimistically late Monday, indicating that lawmakers could vote on the final budget proposal by Tuesday. Reeves provided less detail than the House speaker about the final budget agreement. Although the Senate had earlier approved a $1,000 raise for teachers over two years, the House modified that number to $4,000 over two years. Reeves stated that he believes that the pay will be significant for teachers in recognition of their outstanding work over many years. He also expressed optimism that the amount could be as high as $4,000 over two years. Gunn stated that the budget agreement was in place late Monday. Instead of a multi-year proposal, Gunn said there would be an immediate $1,000 raise. Many expressed dismay at the original Senate proposal to raise $1,000 for two years earlier in the session. Democrats asked the Senate if that amount was a joke when the bill was first being drafted. The Mississippi Association of Educators criticized the figure in a statement. The statement stated that teachers deserve a raise that reflects their state’s value, but instead legislators gave them another symbolic gesture. The current base salary for a first year teacher who has a bachelor’s degree in education is $34,390. The average salary for public school teachers was $44,926 in 2017-18. Increase in revenue estimates Late Monday Gunn and Reeves met with other members from the Legislative Budget Committee to increase the revenue estimate for this fiscal year which began July 1. It was $125.3 million. The revenue estimate was increased by $56.2 million to reflect the new fiscal year. Based on the recommendations of state financial experts, the revision of revenue estimates is important as it allows legislators to raise their pay and provide other state services. Reeves stated that Mississippi’s economy is performing well, and the national economy is also doing well. He suggested increasing the revenue estimate. Reeves stuck to his usual talking points and stressed that “we are not going to waste money that we don’t have.” The state general fund budget will be over $6 billion. Gunn stated that “This budget is good.” Gunn stated that legislators have had to make tough decisions in recent years regarding cutting agencies due to slow revenue collections. However, those “decisions” are paying off this election year. Gunn also said that most agencies will be fully funded in this year. Gunn predicted that the final agreement would provide more funds for Child Protection Services to address the perennially troubled foster care system. Additionally, additional money will be provided for the Department of Public Services in order to improve the bureau that issues commercial driver’s licenses. To ensure state employees have received a 3 % raise in the last three years, he said that there will be a “three-year look back”. For example, a state employee who has received a 1 % raise in the last two years would be eligible for a 2 % raise for the next fiscal year, if the budget agreement is approved. The Legislature normally meets during weekends to discuss budget proposals and begin passing them. Legislative leaders are hoping to complete that process this week, avoid weekend work, and possibly close the 2019 legislative session before weekend. To support this important work, you can make a regular donation to the Spring Member Drive today.