$18 million in incentives for teachers advances

Beginning teachers would share in $18 million in incentives, such as bonuses, and a $3 million mentoring program under a bill the House Education Committee forwarded Wednesday.

HB98 sponsoring Rep. Jim Gowans, D-Tooele, hopes the money would attract and retain good teachers, particularly in light of a recent Utah State University report on a coming teacher shortage.

The bill now faces both House and Senate debates, plus budget prioritization.

"This has a big fiscal note," said House Majority Whip Steve Urquhart, R-St. George. "If it advances . . . I'm sure it will be worked and worked and worked again."