NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A law that increases the minimum pay for teachers has been blocked by a federal judge because the same law it also puts a ban on automatically deducting payroll dues to a professional teacher's organization.
A hearing, in this case, is set to happen on Thursday at 1 p.m.
The TEA has sued over a section of the law that bans allowing teachers' dues to be automatically deducted from their payroll. The association said the ban will cost the group money and diminish revenues.
Unfortunately for teachers, the block by the federal judge impacts the entire law — including a section which gradually raises the minimum teacher salary up to $50,000 for the 2026-27 school year. The TEA lawsuit does not seek changes to this part of the law, which was set to go in place as of July 1.
The TEA lawsuit argues that combining the two changes into one bill violates the Tennessee Constitution and they're calling for a judge to leave the pay raise in place, but block the deductions ban.
On the other hand, Governor Lee has argued the law was intended to give teachers a raise while making sure taxpayers dollars are not used “inappropriately.”
TEA officials said the professional organization is not a union and that they strive to advocate for educators on a wide range of issues.
Editor's Note: Changes have been made to further clarify that the TEA lawsuit is only looking to stop one part of the law, but that the temporary ban impacts the whole law, including pay increases.
