MI: Urgent Action needed to shore up direct care worker wage crisis

This is a request for urgent action from the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHAM). Many other state and local organizations have sent out the same message. The gist of it is that changes to the Fiscal Year 2019 budget should reflect the dire need to stabilize the direct care work force for people with disabilities by adding additional Medicaid funding for a wage increase: As you may know, the executive office submitted to the legislature a FY19 supplemental budget request - that request did NOT include any additional funding for a direct care worker wage increase. We know the Legislature will adopt a FY19 supplemental budget before they complete their lame duck session and we anticipate that final budget being quite large, which is why we want to add this important request to their list. REQUEST FOR URGENT ACTION: Please contact your House and Senate members urging them to support additional Medicaid funding for a $0.75 per hour wage increase for direct care workers in the Fiscal Year 2019 Supplemental Appropriations Budget. This allocation is intended to recognize the impact of the upcoming minimum wage increase that was passed by the Michigan Legislature in September and stabilize the workforce for these individuals. EXPLAIN that a staff wage increase advances the objectives of improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and increasing their access to supports and services. SHARE stories on how the staffing crisis negatively impacted your agency or the people you serve. We also need you to ask that the members of your Board of Directors, your staff, and your community partners make those same contacts - SIMPLY FORWARD THEM THE ACTION ALERT. These contacts are critical, legislators must hear from us as there will be numerous requests for final appropriations during lame duck. Quick Talking Points People with developmental disabilities, mental illness or substance use disorder rely on direct care workers for essential supports which enable them to access their community, work, and live full, meaningful lives.  Inadequate wages have created a critical direct care shortage.  Turnover rates average 37%. Some providers have been forced to discontinue services.  Direct care starting wages, which are tied to Medicaid funding, are too low. Service providers cannot compete with other businesses that hire at the same level, often with fewer work demands.  Click the link below to log in and send your message: [The names of your Michigan State House Representative and Michigan State Senator will appear along with a message that you can edit for a more personalized request.] https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/6_u9aJTBLijvrafO_qb7fA