State Rep. Greg Markkanen on Wednesday cast a key vote to waive teacher license applications and renewals. The plan passed the House with broad bipartisan support.

“Teachers are already working what are essentially paycheck-to-paycheck jobs, making it all the more difficult to front substantial licensing fees every five years,” said Markkanen, who formerly taught high school government and special education. “All of us try to remember, but we don’t. All of sudden, five years go by; we’re trying to cover groceries or plan for Christmas, and here is this bill from the state always at the least opportune time. They don’t deserve that stress, especially considering all the good they do and how much of their own money they put into their classrooms. We must waive these fees and ensure that teachers can keep more of their hard-earned income.”

Under the current permitting system, teachers must pay for a standard teaching certificate as well as a renewal of that teaching certificate every five years. Most fees cost $160, and the cost for out-of-state teacher certification in Michigan is $210.

House Bill 4150 would waive fees for initial teacher applications and renewals for certifications, licenses, approvals, endorsements, authorizations, and permits. The Michigan Department of Education would be required to cover the cost of the fees.

The plan now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

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