Pay Paraprofessionals and Support Staff Act

This bill, the Pay Paraprofessionals and Support Staff Act, aims to ensure paraprofessionals and education support staff in public schools are paid a living wage by providing federal grants to states. It sets minimum salary and wage targets that increase with experience and are adjusted for inflation.

Sec. 2, Definitions: The bill defines key terms like 'paraprofessional' and 'local educational agency' by referencing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It also defines 'minimum salary' for full-time staff as an amount set by the state that is above $45,000 annually for fiscal years 2026-2030, increasing every five years by inflation or 2%, whichever is greater. For part-time staff, the 'minimum wage' is set above $30.00 per hour for 2026-2030, with similar inflation adjustments.

Sec. 2, Purpose: The purpose is to ensure these staff are paid a living wage, recognize regional cost-of-living differences, acknowledge them as essential public servants, and provide safe working conditions.

Sec. 2, Authorization and Appropriations: The bill authorizes and appropriates $25,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 from the Treasury to the Department of Education, with amounts for each following year increased by the annual inflation percentage.

Sec. 2, Authorization of Grants: The Secretary of Education reserves up to 1% of funds for research and technical assistance, and up to 1% for program administration. The remaining funds are allotted to states based on their share of Title I funds, to help local educational agencies pay the minimum salary or wage.

Sec. 2, State Application: To get a grant, a state must submit a plan to the Secretary showing how it will ensure, within 4 years, that full-time staff earn at least the state-set minimum salary and part-time staff earn at least the state-set minimum wage. The plan must include annual goals for increasing wages, with the first increase within two years.

Sec. 2, Improving Paraprofessional and School Staff Wages and Salaries: States may use up to 2% of grant funds for technical assistance and professional development. They must ensure all local educational agencies meet the salary and wage requirements within 4 years of the bill's regulations.

Sec. 2, Subgrants to Local Educational Agencies: States must pass at least 98% of grant funds to local educational agencies. These agencies must use the funds to meet the state's salary and wage requirements, and may also use them to raise pay for other school staff or provide professional development. Contracted staff must also be paid at least the minimum salary or wage, and states must monitor compliance.

Sec. 2, Rules: The bill does not alter collective bargaining rights but requires compliance with its wage requirements. It allows states to supplement base salaries for extra skills or duties. It prohibits waivers of the bill's requirements and mandates that federal funds supplement, not replace, state and local education funds.