It will really make a start, but not get us as far as we want,'' he said. The Senate bill, supported by Sen. Teel Bivins, R-Amarillo, is contingent on the passage of a constitutional amendment to change the investment plan of the Permanent School Fund. The campaign for teacher insurance is to provide a plan such as state employees receive. Cole said state employees receive the full cost of individual coverage and half of dependent insurance. Amarillo Independent School District pays 100 percent of employees' coverage, but none for dependents.
Employees can pay an increased premium for more services.
Peggy Smith, president of the Amarillo Federation of Teachers and a teacher at Sam Houston Middle School, said interest in the issue is high. As the issue is debated in the Senate, Cole encouraged teachers and others to call legislators asking for the best of both the Senate and House bills. Your comments will be sent to the newsroom . They will not be made public. If you'd like a response, you must supply a valid e-mail address.