The Pay Paraprofessionals and Support Staff Act would establish federal minimum salary and wage requirements for school paraprofessionals and support staff nationwide. Full-time employees would need to earn at least $45,000 annually starting in fiscal year 2026, while part-time staff would earn at least $30 per hour, with both amounts increasing annually based on inflation or a minimum of 2 percent. The bill authorizes $25 billion for fiscal year 2026 and subsequent years, distributed to states through grants that must flow to local school districts, with priority given to high-poverty areas. States have four years to comply with the new requirements and must submit plans showing how they will implement the pay increases while maintaining existing collective bargaining rights. Schools can use the funds only to supplement (not replace) existing state and local education spending, and may also invest in professional development and credentials for paraprofessionals and support staff.
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