The West Virginia Senate spent yesterday in an all-day committee meeting and debate over Senate Bill 451.

It would give teachers another 5-percent pay raise and fix their health insurance costs. But it would also create charter schools and educational savings accounts.

Democrats want to vote on each item separately, but most Republicans say the all-encompassing reform bill is the way to go.

Teachers packed the galleries in their signature red t-shirts. A walk-out like last year’s strike is still possible. The Governor wants his teacher pay raise bill handled separately, and no strike.

$93 million dollars is the projected cost, of implementing the Education Reform Bill.

Even if the Education Bill passes in the Senate, it faces an uncertain future when it heads down the Hallway to the House of Delegates.