The two-year cost of the bills is estimated at $4.7 million and $9.2 million, respectively. The savings to students from exam costs and tuition assistance is estimated at $7.9 million for the two years.

By comparison, giving every teacher in Kentucky a 1 percent raise would cost the state $23 million a year, Kelly said.

The Senate has passed both bills, and they are now awaiting assignments to House committees.

...

The primary opponent is the (Kentucky Education Association), which represents 38,000 public school teachers in Kentucky.