HJ0057 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0057 LRB103 36634 ECR 66743 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Professional Review Panel is responsible for evaluating and recommending modifications to the Evidence-Based Funding Formula to ensure all students have access to a quality education, including educational support services; and

WHEREAS, Educational support services are provided by employees, including, but not limited to, custodial employees, transportation employees, food service providers, classroom assistants, administrative staff, and paraprofessional educators; and

WHEREAS, Employees providing educational support services are accomplished professionals who keep our schools running and our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn; and

WHEREAS, Low wages are contributing to Illinois' shortage of employees providing educational support services; and

WHEREAS, A minimum hourly rate of no less than $22 is recommended for employees providing educational support services; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we direct the Professional Review Panel and the Illinois State Board of Education to conduct the analysis and financial modeling required to evaluate the implications of implementing the recommended $22 minimum hourly rate for employees providing educational support services; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the analyses should include the district impact of incremental increases beginning with $20 in school year 2025-2026, $21 dollars in school year 2026-2027, and $22 in school year 2027-2028; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Professional Review Panel and the Illinois State Board of Education should include their findings in a written report to the General Assembly and Governor by December 31, 2024.