U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, a Democrat who represents the Tampa Bay area, called out Hillsborough County Republicans for blocking local teacher pay raises.
The Central Florida Congresswoman issued a statement after Republicans on the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners voted to block a ballot initiative that would have allowed citizens to decide whether or not to raise salaries for Hillsborough County Public School (HCPS) teachers.
“Hillsborough teachers are underpaid by thousands of dollars compared to surrounding counties, and that has contributed to a serious teacher shortage in local schools,” Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor said. “In the 2023-2024 school year, Hillsborough County Public Schools lost nearly 10 percent of our teachers. That is why HCPS scheduled a countywide referendum to allow voters to decide whether or not to increase teacher salaries, just as other counties have done.
According to the National Education Association, Florida ranks 50th in the United States for K-12 teacher pay. The Tampa Congresswoman also noted that with an average annual salary of $53,098, Florida teachers earn below the national average of $69,544 and below the state’s minimum wage of $58,970.
“It is outrageous that four Republicans on the Board of County Commissioners can deny Hillsborough residents the ability to have our say on a matter of great public importance,” Rep. Castor added. “It’s shortsighted, wrong and a ‘slap in the face’ to Hillsborough students, families and teachers who deserve better.”
