House Republicans scrap vote on teacher layoff bill

House Republicans have postponed a vote on one of their education priorities.

They had planned to take up a bill Thursday that would require school boards to consider teacher effectiveness when making layoff decisions, not just seniority. GOP lawmakers passed a similar bill when they last controlled the Legislature. Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed it.

But a floor vote scheduled hit a snag over financial concerns. The state budget office estimates the cost at about $900,000 over two years, mostly for extra staff and IT work. Republicans contend it should cost little, if anything. Another House committee will take a look next week.

Rep. Jenifer Loon says she's concerned with the state estimate but wanted to respect the process.