On Tuesday, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C,I,Ref-Ballston) joined advocates of #bFair2DirectCare at the Capitol to push for increased funding for direct-care providers in the state budget. Walsh and her colleagues have called for $45 million in this year’s budget to support direct-care providers. In a surprise announcement at Tuesday’s rally, Gov. Cuomo took the proposed funding a step further, adding an additional $10 million, for a total of $55 million. This support would translate into a 6.5 percent raise in wages for direct-care professionals over the next two years.

“I am extremely encouraged to see the bipartisan support for New York State’s hard-working direct-care professionals,” said Walsh. “These individuals work tirelessly to provide their patients with the care they need, and deserve to be fairly compensated for their services. This proposed funding demonstrates our established commitment to these individuals and the vital importance of the work they do.”