US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SR158

Introduced
4/7/25  

Caption

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that paraprofessionals and education support staff should have fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions.

Impact

The resolution outlines several provisions that, if adopted, would positively influence state laws affecting the employment conditions of paraprofessionals and education support staff. Specifically, it underscores the necessity for these workers to receive a livable wage, access to high-quality health benefits, and various paid leave options. It aims to empower these employees with meaningful input regarding school policies and practices that directly affect their roles and responsibilities, thereby fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.

Summary

SR158 is a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that paraprofessionals and education support staff deserve fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions. It emphasizes that these essential workers, numbering over 3 million in the United States, play a pivotal role in transforming schools into supportive environments for students. The resolution highlights the need for competitive wages, quality healthcare, and job security to ensure these staff members can effectively contribute to educational success and provide adequate support to students from various backgrounds.

Contention

While the resolution seeks to promote the rights and well-being of paraprofessionals and education support staff, it also touches on contentious issues regarding the adequacy of existing laws and collective bargaining rights. Some stakeholders argue that fair compensation and job security should already be guaranteed under current legislation, while others assert that more robust protections and resources are necessary to address the specific challenges faced by these workers in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution aims to close the gap in support provided to a workforce often overlooked in broader educational policy discussions.

Congress_id

119-SRES-158

Policy_area

Education

Introduced_date

2025-04-07

Companion Bills

US HR297

Related Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that paraprofessionals and education support staff should have fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions.

Previously Filed As

US HR297

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that paraprofessionals and education support staff should have fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions.

US SB2451

Pay Paraprofessionals and Support Staff Act

US HB7032

Pay Paraprofessionals and Support Staff Act

US HB5222

ESP, Paraprofessional, and Education Support Staff Family Leave Act

US SB2738

ESP, Paraprofessional, and Education Support Staff Family Leave Act

US SR374

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. does not have the confidence of the Senate or of the American people to faithfully carry out the duties of his office and should be removed from his position.

US SR133

A resolution expressing support for the local public K-12 schools of the United States and condemning any actions that would defund public education or weaken or dismantle the Department of Education.

US SR311

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Parliamentarian of the Senate should serve not more than 1 term of 6 years.

US SR582

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate in support of Operation Absolute Resolve.

US HR465

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress should enact the Older Americans Bill of Rights to establish that older Americans should have the right to live with dignity and with independence.

Similar Bills

TX HB2707

Relating to the licensing and regulation of certain legal paraprofessionals; requiring an occupational license; imposing fees.

TX HB2624

Relating to the licensing and regulation of certain legal paraprofessionals; requiring an occupational license; imposing fees.

TX HB1528

Relating to the licensing and regulation of certain legal paraprofessionals; requiring an occupational license; imposing fees.

TX HB2386

Relating to the licensing and regulation of certain legal paraprofessionals and establishing a legal paraprofessional licensing pilot program; requiring an occupational license; imposing fees.

US HR297

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that paraprofessionals and education support staff should have fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions.

NJ S3566

Provides deduction from gross income of $500 for full-time educators and paraprofessionals and $350 for part-time educators and paraprofessionals.

NJ S579

Provides gross income tax deduction to eligible educators and paraprofessionals for expense of classroom supplies.

OK HB2893

Education; paraprofessionals; teachers; exemption; effective date; emergency.