Rep. Lindsay Powell January 23, 2025 | 3:20 PM
HARRISBURG, Jan. 23 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has introduced a bill that would deliver unemployment benefits to educational assistance workers throughout the course of the summer break.
Powell’s legislation (H.B. 265) would make it possible for bus drivers, janitors, lunch staff and related positions to apply for unemployment compensation during the summer months. Currently, these staff members are forced to rely on temporary positions over the summer to afford necessities.
“Our educational support professionals are the unsung heroes of schools and school districts across Pennsylvania and the entire nation. My bill would help remove significant obstacles to them providing for themselves and their families year-round,” Powell said. “They’re the backbone of our schools and it’s time we treat them like it.”
Retaining such employees has proven difficult for Pennsylvania schools and school districts. According to the Pennsylvania School Bus Association, there were approximately 3,500 unfilled school bus driver positions, and 70% of superintendents reported a shortage of instructional aides. This survey, conducted by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, took place at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.
The bill has been referred to the House Labor and Industry Committee.
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