PSRPs: Summer Income Shouldn’t Be a Struggle—We Need Your Voice
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Every day, you keep our schools running, safe, and welcoming for students and families. But too often, the challenges PSRPs face – especially the struggle to make ends meet during the summer months when pay stops – go unheard.
To change this, IFT is joining other Illinois unions to advocate for the Unemployment Equity Act (House Bill 4416/Senate Bill 3286). It would allow public education workers to qualify for unemployment benefits during the summer months when school is not in session.
We’re taking this issue directly to Springfield on March 25 - and we’re asking PSRP members to come along! Along with our allied unions, we’re holding a Lobby Day to make our voices heard and tell legislators why it’s critical to pass this legislation now. .
You won’t want to miss the chance to connect with fellow PSRPs, raise your voice, and help strengthen the foundation of our schools by ensuring PSRPs have what they need to make ends meet.
Across Illinois, thousands of paraprofessionals and school‑related personnel face income gaps during long academic breaks. We also know that workers performing the exact same duties in private academic settings are eligible for support during these gaps. This unequal treatment has a very real impact on families across the state.
That’s why we’re fighting for change and lifting up PSRP stories from every corner of Illinois. Here’s where you come in.
We’ll be distributing postcards to members throughout the state soon (or you can print one yourself).
We’re asking PSRP members to take a moment to complete a postcard and share why this legislation is so necessary.
IFT leaders and field service directors will collect your cards and we’ll use them to demonstrate to lawmakers the urgent need to address this issue and get paraprofessionals and support staff in preK-12 and higher education the support they need.
Your perspective helps shine a light on what summer without income really looks like, why stability matters, and how support during that period could change lives.
SAVE THE DATE
In the coming months, we’ll bring all members together across the state to highlight your work and demand a fairer system that doesn’t leave PSRPs struggling in the summer.
During a Week of Action, April 13-17, we’ll be asking IFT members to show solidarity by elevating PSRP stories and impact by making phone calls to legislators in support of the Unemployment Equity Act. More details will follow.
Thank you for everything you do for students, families, and your school community.