As the Corona virus ravages our city, substitute para professionals are left to fend for themselves. New York City substitute para professionals work alongside teachers in the classroom at all capacities. We are an integral part to any classroom setting. We also pay union dues to the UFT, yet no one has thought of substitute para professionals during these trying times. I know first hand what it feels like to have a diminished paycheck; as we already do not get paid during any holiday/day off from school. As any other working New Yorker, not being able to work means that we will not be able to pay our bills. I have been working at this capacity for years, giving my all to the students and school communities. It is imperative that we are paid during the period that schools remain closed. It is already difficult enough living in an expensive metropolitan city; getting paid should not be added to our daily grind. So we are asking Mayor Bill DeBlasio, Chancellor Richard Carranza and President of the UFT Michael Mulgrew to negotiate payment for substitute para professionals now, as we need to be able to support ourselves and our families.