HR7032-119

What This Bill Does

The Pay Paraprofessionals and Support Staff Act creates a large federal funding stream for public school support staff compensation. It defines covered workers using Elementary and Secondary Education Act terms for paraprofessionals, local educational agencies, States, professional development, English learners, and the Secretary. States receiving funds must set minimum annual base salaries for full-time paraprofessionals and education support staff and minimum hourly wages for part-time equivalent staff employed by local educational agencies. For fiscal years 2026 through 2030, the minimum full-time salary floor is $45,000 and the part-time wage floor is $30 per hour. For fiscal years 2031 through 2035 and each later five-year period, those amounts increase by the greater of aggregate CPI adjustment over the prior five years or 2 percent. The stated purpose is to ensure school support staff receive a living wage, regional cost-of-living recognition, public-servant respect, safe working conditions, and dignity. The bill appropriates $25 billion to the Education Department for fiscal year 2026 and provides ongoing funding for succeeding fiscal years.

Who Benefits and How

Paraprofessionals, classroom aides, education support staff, school employees supporting English learners and students with disabilities, and low-paid school staff benefit from minimum salary and wage floors that rise over time. Local educational agencies and States benefit from federal funds to help finance higher compensation. Students, teachers, and families may benefit if higher wages improve recruitment, retention, morale, and classroom support. Unions and worker advocates benefit from a federal standard for living wages and safe, dignified working conditions.

Who Bears the Burden and How

State education agencies must set minimum salaries and wages, manage federal grants, adjust amounts every five years, and ensure local educational agencies comply. School districts must update payroll systems, contracts, staffing budgets, and wage scales for full-time and part-time staff. Education Department grant staff must administer $25 billion in fiscal year 2026 and future annual funding. Federal taxpayers bear the appropriated cost, and districts may face compliance burdens if federal funds do not cover all wage increases.

Key Provisions

• Appropriates $25 billion to the Department of Education for fiscal year 2026 for paraprofessional and support staff pay.
• Requires States to set minimum full-time salaries above $45,000 for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
• Requires States to set minimum part-time wages above $30 per hour for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
• Requires later five-year increases based on the greater of aggregate CPI growth or 2 percent.
• Requires salary and wage structures to increase with staff experience.
• Recognizes paraprofessionals and education support staff as essential public school workers entitled to living wages, safe conditions, and dignity.