State Lawmakers Pursuing Education Reform

State lawmakers have brought 14 different bills to the table at the Oklahoma State Capitol as part of a $541 million plan to update Oklahoma's education system.

The proposed legislation falls into four different categories, recruiting, retaining, rewarding and reforming.

Some bills include teacher pay raises, maternity leave, safety grants and paid mentorships.

"We'll demonstrate to teachers that we're serious about the work that you do, and we appreciate how you pour your heart and soul into educating kids," Oklahoma Sen. Adam Pugh (R) said. "We need you to stay in the classroom and we need more of you."

One thing not included in Pugh's plan are school vouchers, a highly contested issue at the Capitol.