National LCLAA 2008 Membership Convention

12. Resolution: 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:___________________________________