House Republicans May Scrap Vote On Teacher Layoff Bill

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — House Republicans may scrap a planned Thursday vote on one of their education priorities.

The bill would require school boards to consider teacher effectiveness when making layoff decisions, not just seniority. GOP lawmakers passed a similar bill when they last controlled the Legislature. Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed it.

But a floor vote scheduled Thursday may be waylaid by the cost of the changes. A preliminary state budget office estimates the cost at about $1 million over two years. Republicans contend it should cost little, if anything.

Rep. Jim Knoblach (GNAW'-block) says Republicans will bring the bill back to committee if a final estimate carries a similar price tag. That would delay a floor vote until next week.

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