December 7 2022, in response to Minnesota’s announcement of a projected $17.6 billion surplus through the fiscal year 2025, ARRM CEO Sue Schettle and ARRM President Stacy Roe issued a press release calling on the Legislature to address the disability service workforce crisis and increase funding for DWRS. “This projected record surplus can make a tremendous impact on the quality of life for people with disabilities and the dedicated workforce that supports them, but only if the Legislature moves quickly,” says Roe. Read the full press release here.
ARRM states that since October 2021, more than 30% of all positions in disability services have remained unfilled and 170 group homes have closed due to staffing shortages. Without government funding to provide competitive wages for our workers, there will be continued difficulty in retaining and recruiting workers.
We need the support of the governments to alleviate the crises that disability services are facing. The state must provide the tools, opportunities, and service structure that allows us to continue caring for people with disabilities. This is your opportunity to tell elected officials how they can best support YOU! The care you provide is essential to the community and you deserve compensation for your work.
Take Action! Find your elect officials and contact senators from your state: https://www.arrm.org/advocacy/take-action
https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
Save the Date! Disability Day at the Capitol takes place March 28, 2023.
