Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Powell bill to provide UC benefits during school breaks to education support professionals passes House

Powell bill to provide UC benefits during school breaks to education support professionals passes House

Rep. Lindsay Powell    May 6, 2025 | 4:23 PM

HARRISBURG, May 6 – Today the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed Rep. Lindsay Powell's H.B. 265, which would deliver unemployment benefits to education support workers during the summer months and other extended breaks between school terms.

Powell’s legislation would make it possible for clerical workers, bus drivers, janitors, lunch staff, security and related positions employed by the school district to apply for unemployment compensation during an extended break between school terms. Currently, these staff members are forced to rely on temporary positions over the longer breaks to pay bills and feed their families.

“Educational support professionals are the backbone of our schools, yet their contributions often go unrecognized,” said Powell, D-Allegheny. “My bill is about fairness and ensuring these essential workers can support their families year round, while also helping schools remain adequately staffed and running smoothly.”

Retaining such employees has proven difficult for Pennsylvania schools and school districts. According to the Pennsylvania School Bus Association, there were approximately 3,500 unfilled school bus driver positions, and 70% of superintendents reported a shortage of instructional aides. This survey, conducted by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, took place at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.