LCLAA 17TH NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP CONVENTION
ORLANDO, FL
AUGUST 4-8, 2008

RESOLUTION:

12.    Direct Care Workers Need Sustained Wage Increases and Training

WHEREAS;
Direct care employees working with and caring for the mentally and physically challenged do not get the attention that they should from their localities and from the nation for their hard work and diligence needed to work with this population; and

WHEREAS;
Direct care workers do not have the wages or benefits that sustain retention and careers; and

WHEREAS;
Direct Care workers often are neglected both by federal and state and city agencies resulting in small wage increases, COLA and trend factors based on Medicaid disbursement; and

WHEREAS;
Direct care workers throughout the nation are predominantly women and are faced with working two jobs or leaving their jobs to support their families; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED;
That the LCLAA Research and Legislative Departments work with affiliates representing direct care employees working and caring for the mentally and physically challenged and prepare a state by state comparison of the wages and benefits currently being paid direct care workers and begin to prepare a federal and multi-state campaign to enhance the image of direct care workers; prepare a comprehensive effort to lobby state legislators for increased COLAs, trend factors and quality funding to assist direct care workers.

Respectfully submitted by:  

New York City LCLAA Chapter
Albany/Capital District Chapter
Westchester County LCLAA Chapter                                                                                

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE: SPECIAL ISSUES COMMITTEE

CONCURRENCE:________________________________________

NON-CONCURRENCE:___________________________________