Pay Paraprofessionals and Support Staff Act

# Pay Paraprofessionals and Support Staff Act (S 2451) – Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to improve wages and working conditions for paraprofessionals and support staff in schools. These workers include teaching assistants, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodians, and other school employees who aren't fully credentialed teachers. The legislation would likely provide federal funding or incentives to help schools increase pay for these positions, which typically pay significantly less than teachers despite performing essential functions in daily school operations. **Who It Affects** The bill would directly benefit hundreds of thousands of school support staff across the country, many of whom currently earn wages near or below the poverty line. Students would indirectly benefit from improved school operations and more stable staffing.

Schools and school districts would be affected through changes to how they budget and allocate funds for personnel. **Current Status** As of now, the bill remains in committee (S 2451, 119th Congress), meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. No specific provisions have been made publicly available in detailed form. The bill was introduced by Senator Edward Markey (D-Massachusetts).