De La Rosa frames bill as dignity for paras, thanks 47 council members and officials
De La Rosa frames the legislation as being about dignity, recognition, and respect for paraprofessionals. She thanks 47 council members who co-sponsored, along with the Public Advocate, Manhattan Borough President, and Brooklyn and Queens Borough Presidents, and credits former Councilmember Keith Powers as original sponsor.
At its core, this legislation is about dignity and recognition and respect.
If we believe every child deserves support in the classroom, then we must also believe that workers providing that support deserve wages that allow them to live with stability, respect in the city that they serve.
I want to thank the 47 council members who have already supported this legislation, including other officials such as the public advocate, the Manhattan Borough President, the Brooklyn and Queensborough President.
They understand the critical role that power professionals play in helping our students with the greatest needs.
And I look forward to passing this legislation for the power professionals, advocates, students, and families who rely on the largest school system in the country to set them up for a future of success.
I also want to shout out our good friend and former council member, now assembly member, Keith Powers, who was the original sponsor of the original bill last session.
Thank you, Chair.