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West Virginia legislators approve a teacher pay raise, ending a nine-day strike.

The West Virginia state legislature approved an increase in teacher pay on Tuesday, and Governor Jim Justice quickly signed the order, ending a nine-day strike that affected nearly 300,000 West Virginia schoolchildren. A dispute over health benefits and salary prompted the statewide walkout. At one point, educators had an agreement with the governor, for a five-percent raise, but the state senate only approved a four-percent increase. Lawmakers said it was purely about the budget, and a lack of funds. Teachers argue the higher pay is about staying competitive. Teachers plan to return to the classroom Wednesday. Meantime, the West Virginia teacher strike has emboldened educators elsewhere- there’s a similar dispute brewing in Oklahoma.