Lewis explains vote on 692A, discloses brother at MTA
Council Member Farah Louis explains her support for Intro 692, calling paraprofessionals the backbone of public schools who provide individualized attention to children who need it most. She thanks the UFT, Speaker Menin, and Council Member De La Rosa. She discloses her brother works for the MTA and votes aye on all.
Lewis.
Permission to explain my vote?
Permission granted.
Thank you, Mr.
Majority Leader.
I want to take a moment to support Intro 692 today, which provides workforce stabilization payments for our school paraprofessionals.
For far too long, paraprofessionals have been the backbone of our public schools without receiving the recognition or compensation that reflects the essential role they play every single day.
They support students with disabilities, assist teachers in managing classrooms, provide individualized attention to children who need it the most.
As we continue to face staffing shortages across our education system, retaining experienced paraprofessionals is critical.
These workforce stabilization payments acknowledge the invaluable work paraprofessionals perform and represent an important step towards building a stronger and more equitable education system for our students and families.
I want to thank the UFT for their advocacy, Speaker Menon and Councilmember De La Rosa for advancing this legislation.
I vote aye on all, and I would like to disclose for the record that my brother works for the MTA.
Thank you.
Thank you.
De La Rosa.
Apologies.
I'd like to disclose for the record that my daughter is a student in New York City Public.
Thank you.
Maloney.