Caregivers deserve fair wages

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December 12, 2019 | post-gazette.com

post-gazette.com

post-gazette.com

The Pennsylvania House and Gov. Tom Wolf are working to ensure a sound minimum wage is established, thereby placing Pennsylvania to get in line with other states.

I wholeheartedly endorse their efforts but with one significant caveat — that caregivers are paid increased wages. The state provides care to thousands of people with disabilities and that care is provided by direct care professionals. These direct care professionals are paid significantly lower than other states because the governor has not increased the Medicaid reimbursement for their compensation. Every dollar that is raised is received from the federal government.

We will lose caregivers to other industries if Mr. Wolf does not increase wages for this vital industry. I hope that Mr. Wolf’s actions will mirror his words. If he cares about people with disabilities, he needs to care about the wages of those who are paid to take care of them.

ROBERT STACK
President & CEO
Community Options Inc.
South Side

Community Options is a national nonprofit providing care to persons with developmental disabilities.