Bill > HR7032

This bill, titled the "Pay Paraprofessionals and Support Staff Act," aims to ensure that paraprofessionals and education support staff in public schools are paid a living wage. It defines a "living wage" as either a minimum annual base salary for full-time equivalent employees or a minimum hourly wage for part-time equivalent staff, both of which are determined by the state and must increase with experience. For fiscal years through 2030, the minimum annual base salary is set at $45,000, and the minimum hourly wage is $30.00, with these amounts to be adjusted for inflation and a minimum 2% increase in subsequent years. The bill authorizes significant federal funding, starting with $25 billion for fiscal year 2026 and increasing annually, to be distributed as grants to states. These states, in turn, will provide subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to help them meet these new salary and wage requirements within four years of receiving funding. The bill also includes provisions for research, professional development, and technical assistance, and clarifies that it does not alter existing collective bargaining rights or prevent states and LEAs from offering additional compensation beyond the minimum requirements, while also stipulating that federal funds must supplement, not replace, existing state and local education funding.

Education

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7032/all-info