The Texas Senate unanimously passed a bill Wednesday that would invest $4.3 billion over two years in teacher pay increases and secure state-funded salary boosts to educators when they reach early-career milestones.

Under Senate Bill 26, public school teachers would be guaranteed raises in their third and fifth years in the classroom. Educators in smaller school districts would receive the largest pay bumps.

The Texas Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 26 on Wednesday, seeking to provide substantial pay raises for teachers statewide.Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, emphasized his support for well-compensated teachers and reiterated that he views teaching as a profession.