House Resolution Calls for Livable Wages, Better Benefits, and Job Security for School Support Staff

This House Resolution sends a clear message: the paraprofessionals and education support staff working in schools deserve a better deal. It formally expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that these crucial staff members—who support millions of students—should receive fair compensation, solid benefits, and improved working conditions. The resolution outlines a vision for a stable, safe work environment with multi-year job security and a real voice in school policies.

The Support Staff Wishlist

So, what specifics are on the table? The resolution calls for quite a few improvements aimed at making these essential jobs more sustainable and respected. Key points include:

• Pay and Benefits: Access to livable, competitive wages and high-quality, affordable healthcare at minimal personal cost.
• Leave Time: Eligibility for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), plus a specific call for 16 weeks of paid family and medical leave and paid time off for all school closures, planned or unexpected.
• Professional Growth: Access to meaningful professional development during paid work hours, along with the necessary resources and up-to-date technology to do their jobs effectively.
• Safety and Input: Proper safety training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and a safe working environment. Crucially, it also calls for staff to have representation in policy decisions affecting them, input on new technology like AI monitoring, and the chance to participate in meetings about the students they support (where legally permitted).
• Job Security: Contracts with automatic renewal clauses and termination only for just cause, plus adequate notice about employment duration and a process to report issues without fear of retaliation.

Setting Expectations for Employers

The resolution doesn't just focus on the employees; it also sets expectations for the school districts and other employers. It urges them to engage in good faith negotiations to reach fair contracts promptly. It also expresses that employers should refrain from permanently replacing workers who go on strike or locking them out during labor disputes.

Reading Between the Lines

It's important to understand what a "sense of the House" resolution is—and isn't. This isn't a law that mandates these changes directly. Think of it more as Congress putting a strong recommendation on the record, outlining what it believes should be the standard for treating paraprofessionals and support staff. It sets a benchmark and encourages action, but doesn't create new legal requirements on its own. The resolution also clarifies it won't override any existing union contracts that already offer more beneficial terms. While it champions better conditions, terms like "livable wage" or "meaningful input" aren't specifically defined, leaving room for interpretation down the line.