It is a day where we honor the contributions of paid and unpaid caregivers also known as Direct Support Professionals and Community Attendants. These individuals provide support services to people with disabilities and older Americans that allow them to live in the community, Age in Place with dignity and as independently as possible.
On Friday, February 16th at 11:45am members of ADAPT/PACT delivered a 3ft X 4ft letter to Governor Abbott at the Colorado side of the Governor’s mansion. The letter demands that Governor Abbott:
***Prioritize and Publicly Support Necessary Appropriations to meet a Livable Wage and Benefits for Community Attendants who Contribute to our Independence in the Community;
demands
***Meet with Members of ADAPT/PACT
“Why won’t you meet with us, Governor Abbott, on this critical issue?” asks Cathy Cranston, PACT Organizer. “We demand RESPECT and wages and benefits that reflect the work we do.”
BACKGROUND
Current base wage for home and community based services (HCBS) is $10.60 per hour, no health benefits or vacation;
There are approximately 300,000 Community Attendants;
Majority are female (88%), persons of color (76%), median age 50
Texans who use long term care are in increasing crisis over the diminishing number of available community attendants, as attendants leave the profession for jobs that pay a livable wage.
