Everyday thousands of Minnesotans go to work knowing they could make more money in a different field yet are dedicated to their career choice of supporting people with disabilities in their homes and at their jobs. These dedicated workers have some of the lowest wages in the state and have responsibility to support people in the state with the most significant disabilities. The Best Life Alliance advocates for direct support professionals to get an increase in their wages in 2016. You can advocate for people with disabilities and their support staffs at the State Capitol on Tuesdays during the state legislative session and on March 15 at the ARRM/MOHR Day at the Capitol.
Here are five reasons we should all support the Best Life alliance we all should as well.
5 Reasons to Support the Best Life Alliance
- Minnesotans believe people with disabilities and older adults should live in and contribute to their communities. Community-based services provide greater opportunity to build strong connections with neighbors and the community. A 5% rate increase supports this belief.
- Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Caregivers support your family; shouldn’t they be able to support their own?
- A 5% increase will help to recruit and retain consistent staff; this is crucial to quality care. Low wages lead to higher staff turnover, creating more stress, less stability and lower quality care.
- DSPs and caregivers who support people with disabilities and older Minnesotans have demanding, highly-skilled jobs. A 5% increase shows we value these employees and their commitment to this field.
- Community-based services are some of the largest employers in rural Minnesota. A 5% rate increase will support dedicated staff who will put dollars to work in their local communities.
To learn more about the visit Best Life Alliance and the 5% campaign.
