“Direct care workers are carefully trained to help the most vulnerable in our society. From giving a voice to those who cannot speak, to lending a helping hand so that individuals with developmental disabilities can complete daily tasks with as much independence as possible, direct care workers devote themselves to others. They are selfless, hardworking and kind, and they serve as a lifeline to the families who depend on them. Unfortunately, many are forced to leave the field and the people they so nobly care for due to low wages.

“Low wages mean that not only do direct care workers have to struggle to get by and care for their own families, but they have caused a burgeoning staffing crisis that puts the health and well-being of our most vulnerable even more at risk. After the executive budget was released without any funding for a direct care worker wage increase, the Assembly fought to ensure that the final state budget dedicated $14 million in 2017-18 and $146 million in 2018-19 to fund a two-year, living wage initiative for direct care workers with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Mental Health and the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.

“Direct care workers and direct support staff will receive a 3.25 percent raise on Jan. 1, 2018. Additionally, direct care workers, direct support staff and clinical staff will receive a 3.25 percent increase on April 1, 2018.

“They have the training, patience, and dedication to help our most vulnerable succeed, bring them happiness and lead better lives every day. Their assistance is vital to ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities are integrated in the community. Now, we can start paying them the fair, living wage they deserve. After we successfully raised the state minimum wage last year, this is the next step in ensuring a living wage for all of New York’s workers.”