The House Democratic Policy Committee and state Rep. Mike Schlossberg will host a virtual hearing to discuss paraprofessionals . The hearing will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 18 at www.pahouse.com/policy and on the committee's Facebook page . The public and media are encouraged to tune in. Media questions may be submitted to policy@pahouse.net. Watch here: Read more

HARRISBURG, Feb. 18 – The House Democratic Policy Committee and state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Allentown, hosted a roundtable discussion today on the crucial role paraprofessionals play in student success and what the state can do to support those efforts. “These professionals help ensure students receive a quality educational experience and have the resources needed to overcome any obstacles or difficulties they are facing. It was an important discussion on how we can better support them at the state level. Today’s hearing further highlighted the need for education dollars to go through a fair and equitable education formula,” Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro said. Schlossberg added, “Paraprofessionals play an integral role in serving our students and community. They help students living with disabilities, disadvantaged students, those living with homelessness and more overcome those challenges. We have an obligation to provide a quality education for all students and their role in that process is absolutely essential. I look forward to further exploring meaningful ways we can provide the funding and support needed to cultivate future generations of empowered individuals who know they can overcome their challenges, achieve their dreams and make meaningful contributions to their communities." Roundtable participants included Dr. Lucretia Brown, deputy superintendent at the Allentown School District; Elizabeth Moyer, president Read more

HARRISBURG, Feb. 17 -- After hearing concerns faced by local education support staff, Pennsylvania state Rep. Mike Schlossberg requested a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing to find out more about what role the legislature could play in assisting, recruiting, and retaining these essential employees. The hearing will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 and can be viewed online at www.PaHouse.com/policy or the Policy Committee’s Facebook page, @PADemPolicy . The media and public are encouraged to attend. Media inquiries may be submitted via email to policy@pahouse.net . Schlossberg, along with Chairman Ryan Bizzarro and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee will discuss how the COVID-19 crisis pushed school districts into unknown territory and the challenges that arose and how to best support the support staff essential to every school day, especially for Pennsylvania’s neediest students. Ensuring a quality education for children is enshrined in Pennsylvania’s constitution and is a core issue for Bizzarro and the Policy Committee. You can read more about the committee’s focus and efforts here . Read more

Agenda and testimony from the Feb. 18, 2021 hearing on paraprofessionals hosted by Rep. Mike Schlossberg. Read more