Umbrella or Life Line

[paraeducator08]

Wednesday's editorial talks about extending the health care umbrella to Wallingford paraeducators. I say it is a life line. We are all too vulnerable, at the mercy of good health and good circumstances. We are exposed to illness every day. One health crisis of one of our members or a spouse could potentially be devastating. Just recently a paraeducator lost her 48 year old husband suddenly. Does she have to leave a position that she loves and is good at just so she can have health care for herself and her children? It seems archaic, but it has happened many times to Wallingford paraeducators.
Wallingford needs to step up and offer affordable health care to paraeducators as it does to all of its' employees.

A short video featuring interviews with the paras is available on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYALOggnrg0

[jovigirl1]

I agree completely. Why can't the town of Wallingford do the RIGHT thing by the paras and give them access to affordable health care, just like EVERY OTHER employee in the WHOLE town??? Did you know that the Wallingford paraprofessionals are the ONLY union employeees in this town denied health coverage? Every single other employee in this town has health coverage.
It is so unfair to exclude us for what reason? To save a few dollars while they go ahead and spend the town's budget on unnecessary and wasteful projects. It is time for the town to take responsibility and show paraprofessionals that they are important and valued employees of the town and school community and do the right thing! Do we not have health concerns and needs just like anyone else? With our pay, who can afford to purchase health coverage on their own. There is money in the budget, and we need to let the town know where we want it spent. NO PARA LEFT BEHIND!!!!