February 2nd, 2018 by WCBC Radio

Teachers clad in red shirts filled the gallery and others chanted outside the chamber Friday as the state Senate unanimously passed a bill that would increase teachers' and certain state employees' salaries by 1 percent.

Language in Senate Bill 267 codifies a 5 percent raise for teachers over five years — or 1 percent each year — and a 2 percent raise for state employees over two years — once again, 1 percent each year.

After significant debate, with most senators in agreement that they wished the bill could have done more, the measure passed 33-0 with Sen. Kenny Mann, R-Monroe, absent.

The bill now moves to the House of Delegates for consideration.