The Human Services Council Reports:  The State budget includes funding and language for salary adjustments for direct care workers for the first time in six years. The Budget includes $13 million growing to $122 million to support a 2% salary increase on January 1, 2015 and another 2% salary increase on April 1, 2015 to the lowest paid direct care workers.

While the amount included for this year is low relative to the amount that would be needed for a full COLA, this allocation represents a significant step forward. HSC began discussions with the Governor’s office earlier this year to develop a policy approach aimed at addressing the need for regular adjustments to contracts.  HSC views the inclusion of a small adjustment in this year’s budget as progress on that front and expect to build off of this momentum.

Barrier Free Living was featured in a related Wall Street Journal article earlier this year. Read that story here.