A bill in the California State Assembly would raise salaries by 50% for teachers and school staff over the next seven years. 

The author of AB-938, Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrence, says teacher pay has not kept up with inflation and teachers are paid significantly less than college graduates in other fields. His plan would make it easier for districts to hire and retain teachers. Non-teaching staff would also get the raise.

“We need to pay our teachers and essential school staff what they deserve,” Muratsuchi said in a statement.

Although the bill, which has passed out of the Education Committee and is now in the Appropriations Committee,  has bipartisan support it may face tough going as the state faces a $22.5 billion deficit.