JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Representative Chad Perkins demonstrated his support for increased funding for school transportation and increasing the base salary for teachers with his vote for HB 3002.

Perkins said, “For too long, our local school districts, and in particular our rural school districts, have had to dig into their own budgets to provide transportation for our students. HB 3002 will provide much needed financial relief to schools in my district and across the state. They will be able to utilize that money for the projects that they have had to put on hold because of the lack of state transportation funding over the years.”

Elsberry Superintendent Tim Reller and Bowling Green Superintendent Matt Fredrickson stated that their school districts would bring in approximately an additional $175,000 and $120,000 respectively.

HB 3002 also increases the base salary of teachers in Missouri. The current base salary is $25,000 and this bill will raise it to $38,000. The state will pay 70 percent of that increase. “Teachers are integral part of our community and have been given ever more responsibilities over the years. Increasing their base pay is a step in the right direction and will go far in showing our dedication and appreciation for the hard work they do every day.” Perkins stated.

Perkins concluded, “HB 3002 shows our commitment to our children and the teachers that work every day to educate them. I look forward to continuing to engage with local school districts to address their needs going forward.”

HB 3020 included $2 million for the construction of the Clarksville flood wall. Perkins said, “This important infrastructure project that has been in the works for years. I am pleased that the state was able to allocate the funding necessary to help protect Clarksville and its citizens. The temporary flood wall was a good start, but with this funding, in addition to federal grant money, we will be able to construct a permanent flood wall that has been needed for years”