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Committee sends paraprofessional health subsidy to appropriations amid funding questions
Summary
The committee voted to refer SB223 to Appropriations. The bill clarifies eligibility for a state subsidy to reduce health insurance costs for paraprofessionals, including those in charter and special programs; members requested funding details and implementation clarifications.
The joint committee advanced SB223 to the Appropriations Committee after extended questioning over who would qualify for a state-funded subsidy for paraprofessionals’ health costs and whether the proposed funding would be sufficient.
Proponents said the bill simply clarifies existing eligibility and extends the subsidy to paraprofessionals who work in charter and other public schools that may have been unintentionally excluded. The chair argued the change is intended to keep a low-paid workforce in classrooms and reduce out-of-pocket costs for employees who lack access to the state teachers’ Partnership 2.0 plan.
Several members focused on funding. Committee members said the comptroller asked for an additional $5 million on top of an existing $5 million appropriation, which they discussed as arriving at about $10 million to cover current and some additional participants. Committee staff also described the subsidy as aimed at paraprofessionals enrolled in employer or high-deductible plans; the committee was told the comptroller described the state contribution as covering roughly 70% of a deductible in the testimony they received.
Lawmakers pressed for implementation detail. Representative Pulis asked whether the change would affect paras who already receive benefits and whether the fund would be increased to accommodate new participants; staff responded that the change clarifies eligibility and is not intended to cut benefits for current recipients but will move to Appropriations for funding determinations. Representative Khan sought a definition of “public school” as used in the bill; staff replied that the term is defined in statute and includes traditional, regional, charter, Vo-Ag and technical schools.
Opponents raised budget and administration questions but not a substantive policy objection to expanding eligibility. The committee moved the measure to Appropriations for a fuller fiscal analysis and implementation planning.
Action recorded: SB223 was referred to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
What’s next: Appropriations will review funding estimates and implementation details before the measure reaches the floor.
