Teachers were paid less than other college graduates in every state, with relative teacher pay gaps ranging from 10.4% in Rhode Island to 40.7% in Colorado.
👉 The teacher pay penalty was at least 25% in 25 states.
Visit the report for an interactive map (Figure D) to see your state's gap.
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![MYTHS ABOUT HB 4005
→ HB 4005 Creates a Youth Apprenticeship Program
→ HB 4005 is Only About Apprenticeships Federal Child Labor Laws are Adequate to Protect Youth Workers
→ HB 4005 is Necessary to Expand Skill Training Opportunities for Youth
VS FACTS
Proponents only talk about the changes in HB 4005 that involve apprenticeships,
but the legislation is much broader.[4] Rather than simply allowing 16- and 17-yearolds in registered apprenticeships to work in industries that are generally deemed
too hazardous for child workers, the legislation largely eliminates state-level
protections defining hazardous occupations too dangerous for all minors to work
in. In addition, the bill eliminates state-level protections limiting the time children
can work with dangerous machinery, as well as requirements for direct supervision
of dangerous work.
Put simply, HB 4005 opens up any employer to employ any child who is 16 or 17
years old to work in some industries currently banned as hazardous, even
unscrupulous employers who are not participating in safe, registered
apprenticeship environments.
Federal child labor protections have long been considered the floor, with the
Federal Labor Standards Act dictating minimum standards. Because federal law is
increasingly outdated and under threat, states have long codified federal
standards into state law and implemented additional, stronger protections to
ensure children working are doing so in safe, supervised work environments.
Current West Virginia law has stronger protections than federal rules in defining
some hazardous industries, requiring supervision of youth workers, and setting
limits on youth usage of dangerous machinery. Striking these state-level
protections as envisioned in HB 4005 will significantly reduce West Virginia’s child
labor protections.
16- and 17-year-olds can already work in most jobs, including nonhazardous jobs in inherently dangerous industries. There are also
recognized pathways in West Virginia for these m…](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4pzhmhzckvdfdo4e6dn4ymeb/bafkreiale5i3odhbug2slcxao52vzg7m5vuyb622kzxelhxdktmkif3vf4)
