08/19/2026
🚨 After clearing the mayor’s desk, the Respect Check is now law.
NYC paraprofessionals will receive an additional $10,000 in 2027, with the first installment in January – because you fought for it.
Thank you to our champions in New York City Council – especially Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Carmen De La Rosa – for rallying behind something both obvious and long overdue: paraprofessionals should be able to afford to live in the city they serve.
Paraprofessionals drove this campaign from day one. Their win is a win for every educator, and every public sector worker in this city.
But this is not the end of our fight. If the city tries anything in court, we're ready. We won't stop until this is permanent and pensionable. Our paras deserve more base pay and stronger benefits that we will continue to push for through collective bargaining in our next contract.
For our members, be on the lookout for an email from UFT on what comes next for paraprofessionals.
But in the meantime, this milestone is worth celebrating! 🥳🎉
UFT Paraprofessional Chapter
