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Lawmakers Hear STARS Act to Boost Starting Teacher Pay, Link Funding to Dual-Credit and CTE Outcomes
Summary
Representative Lou Jones introduced HB252, the STARS Act, proposing about $50 million in incentive funding to raise beginning teacher pay to a $41,006.15 FY26 floor, expand dual-credit/CTE credentials, and allow locally approved teacher housing support; proponents urged passage while committee members pressed on technical and fiscal details.
Representative Lou Jones (House District 18) introduced House Bill 252 on behalf of the STARS Act, a roughly $50 million incentive package designed to raise beginning teacher pay, compress salary scales and reward districts that expand dual-credit or stackable career and technical education credentials.
The bill would require districts seeking the new incentive dollars to meet specific thresholds in a matrix Jones described repeatedly as “Mendoza lines,” including a requirement that beginning teacher pay be set at a formulaic floor that equates to $41,006.15 for fiscal year 2026. Jones told the committee the measure is built to ensure money reaches classrooms and to avoid funding shortfalls that later fail to count toward state funding obligations.
Supporters from across the education sector endorsed the bill in committee. Susie Hedalen, superintendent for the Office of Public Instruction, said…
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