Bill · S.Res. 158· Senate(119-SRES-158)
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that paraprofessionals and education support staff should have fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions.
- Introduced
- 4/7/2025
- Last activity
- 4/7/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2457-2458)
- Sponsored by
- Edward Markey
- Cosponsors
- - 8 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate regarding the treatment of paraprofessionals and education support staff. It highlights that these workers face issues such as undercompensation, lack of job security, and limited access to benefits. The resolution suggests that these employees should receive livable wages, better healthcare, and increased job stability. It also calls for improved safety standards and professional development opportunities. Additionally, the text emphasizes the importance of providing these workers with a voice in school policies and decision-making. Finally, it encourages employers to engage in good faith negotiations through collective bargaining.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would union members be better off under this?+8
The resolution strongly emphasizes collective bargaining rights and job security.
Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise?+7
It encourages good faith negotiations and protects workers from replacement during strikes.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+6
It seeks to ensure educational staff have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare benefits.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-2
Increased labor costs and stricter contract requirements may impact school employer budgets.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved Financial Stability: The resolution suggests staff should be compensated with livable, competitive wages and sufficient hours to support themselves. (Section 1, A)
-
Enhanced Healthcare Access: It proposes that workers have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare with minimal personal costs. (Section 1, B)
-
Increased Job Security: The text advocates for multi-year job security through employment contracts that include automatic renewal rather than automatic termination. (Section 1, 2; Section 1, N; Section 1, O)
-
Expanded Leave Benefits: It suggests workers should be eligible for the Family and Medical Leave Act and entitled to 16 weeks of paid family and medical leave. (Section 1, C; Section 1, D)
-
Paid Leave for School Closures: The resolution proposes that staff have paid leave for planned or unforeseen school closures, including weather-related events. (Section 1, E)
-
Professional Growth: It calls for free or affordable professional development during regular working hours to provide paths for career advancement. (Section 1, F)
-
Improved Workplace Safety: The text advocates for a safe environment free from recognized hazards and access to training and personal protective equipment. (Section 1, H; Section 1, L)
-
Increased Influence and Voice: It suggests staff should have a voice in school policy, representation in organizations, and input regarding the use of new technologies. (Section 1, I; Section 1, J; Section 1, K)
-
Fairer Labor Practices: The resolution encourages employers to engage in good faith negotiations and refrain from replacing workers who strike or locking workers out. (Section 2, A; Section 2, C; Section 2, D)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Union Workers+8Good For Students+5Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Children+3Good For Business Owners-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Union Protections+7Increases Minimum Wage+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+6
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+4
- 2/24/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 11/18/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/9/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/7/2025
- Submitted in Senate
- Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2457-2458)
- 6 Cosponsors added.
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
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Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts