Alabama teachers are getting a raise

Most Alabama teachers will get a 4 percent raise in 2017.

Thanks to the Alabama Legislature, which gave final approval to the state’s education budget Thursday.

Working teachers and other school employees would get a 4 percent pay raise if they now make less than $75,000 per year, and employees with higher pay would see their pay go up by 2 percent.

It’s the first take-home pay increase in years for Alabama public school teachers.

Lawmakers have sent the $6.3 billion budget, which provides funding for K-12 schools, community colleges, four-year universities and other programs on to Gov. Robert Bentley for his signature.

“Alabama’s future sits in classrooms today, and our state’s teachers and support staff work hard to prepare students for success,” said Bentley after the budget’s passage.

“In my State of the State address in February, I prioritized a pay raise for teachers and support staff, and I commend the Alabama Legislature for passing this important piece of legislation. Alabama’s commitment to education is strong, and with this pay raise, state leaders are sending a clear message of support to our invaluable teachers and other support staff,” said Bentley.