Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 26, 2021 04:40 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mark Rozzi |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | COVID-19 School Employee Bonus |
| It is no secret that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has upended Pennsylvania’s education system. Our teachers and school staff have worked tirelessly to provide an adequate and engaging education for students as they navigate virtual, hybrid, and in-person teaching models. These dedicated individuals deserve to know that their hard work has not gone unnoticed. To show our appreciation, my legislation will provide bonus payments to qualifying teachers and staff, grades pre-K through 12, who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. $150 million from the American Rescue Plan fund would be allocated to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for the purpose of distributing a one-time payment to teachers, paraprofessionals, school counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, custodians, bus drivers, school nutrition staff, media specialists, clerical staff, instructional coaches, and therapists who worked full-time or part-time at or for a Pennsylvania public school. Based on the number of full- and part-time applicants, PDE would calculate a grant amount for full-time school employees and a smaller grant amount for part-time employees. The state of Georgia has recently provided their teachers with bonus payments and I believe it is high-time Pennsylvania does the same. Although a monetary supplement will never be enough to truly thank the teachers and staff who have gone above and beyond during this pandemic, I believe it is a start to show our never ending gratitude for all that they have done and continue to do for our students. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation to provide support for our school employees in these unprecedented times. |
Introduced as HB1412