On March 8th, the Venture Together community attended “Rally in the Valley” with over 1,200 advocates to demand better pay for the Direct Service Professionals (DSPs) who run our group homes, day programs, and other supports for our individuals, along with the approximately 140,000 New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Despite the critical role they play, DSPs earn only about 7% above minimum wage on average. This low pay has led to severe staffing shortages at agencies operating group homes and day programs across the state, making it extremely difficult for them to attract and retain employees. Without adequate staffing, these agencies warn they cannot deliver the individualized services so vital to the people relying on their support.
As stated by Venture Together’s CEO, Matt Shelley, “We need the Governor and Legislators to invest in the people we support, invest in the staff who support them, and invest in the agencies that provide much-needed programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
Hochul’s 2025 budget plan includes a modest 1.5% cost-of-living increase (COLA) for agencies, but agencies and activists are pushing for a more substantial 3.2% COLA to help cover rising operational costs. Advocates also want the governor to allocate $4,000 per worker in direct wage increases for direct support professionals to supplement their pay.
In her January 1 budget highlights, Hochul acknowledged the need for more support for the I/DD community, stating that it has “suffered from disinvestment and neglect.” Yet, her actual budget proposal provides only a minimal cost-of-living increase for nonprofits that serve this community, far below the inflation rate, and does not include a direct wage increase for the workers who support those with disabilities.
There is still time to advocate for these important wage increases! Join advocates in Albany on 4/3/24 @ 11: 00 AM in the Well (lower level) of the Legislative Office Building to call on Gov. Hochul to invest in DSPs. RSVP Here.
