Senate Bill Would Withold Teacher Pay, Benefits During Walkouts Or Strikes

The measure, Senate bill 6116, was actually introduced by a Democrat, Senator Tim Sheldon, who represents the 35 District  West of Tacoma, including the City of Shelton, WA.  Eight other Senators, including a number from Eastern Washington,  are co-sponsors.

The bill would suspend or withhold pay and benefits for teachers if they participate in strikes or walk outs.

Sheldon and the other legislators heard testimony Tuesday in committee about the bill, but other Democratic lawmakers walked out of the meeting of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee before it began.

The future of the bill is in doubt, but it speaks volumes as to the increasing polarization over the education issue.

Opponents say it's ignoring the issues facing education funding, supporters say why should educators be any different than other workers who strike or walk out?  Don't work, don't get paid.

We will continue to update this bill.