Governor Brad Henry signs health insurance measure for teachers

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma will soon begin paying 100% of health insurance benefits for the state's teachers.<br><br>Governor Henry Monday signed a bill including the plan.<br><br>Henry says the

Monday, April 19th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma will soon begin paying 100% of health insurance benefits for the state's teachers.

Governor Henry Monday signed a bill including the plan.

Henry says the measure will help keep top teachers in Oklahoma classrooms.

The state now pays 58% of teachers' health insurance. School districts pick up 17% and teachers pay the remaining 25%. Some school districts deduct their share from teachers' overall pay, further reducing paychecks.

The governor has also supported raising teachers' salaries to the regional average within five years.