Archives: 2009

November/December

Hill Happenings – Workforce and Health Care Legislation

With health care reform continuing to capture center stage on Capitol Hill, ANCOR has had to reposition efforts to generate support and increase co-sponsors for workforce wage legislation (H.R. 868).

We have been working closely with Congresswoman Lois Capps to approach co-sponsors of the previous workforce bill to sign them on to H.R. 868. Of course, this is increasingly difficult considering the intense attention given to health care reform.

Regardless, we are working toward adding 100 co-sponsors by the end of the year.
Just since early September we have added 15 co-sponsors! At print we were at 42 co-sponsors. Thanks to the direct outreach of ANCOR members during and following the Governmental Activities Seminar to grow this number – please keep it up! Please visit the ANCOR Action Center at www.ancor.org to contact your U.S. Representative and urge them to co-sponsor H.R. 868 - TODAY!

On the health care reform front, Senator Olympia Snowe's office has asked ANCOR to craft amendment language to expand existing commission language in the health care bill being considered in the Senate to include our workforce and stakeholders. We are in the process of that now and are very hopeful that we will be part of the final package later this year. Stay tuned!

DSP Capital Challenge – Deadline Extended to December 18!

ANCOR has launched the DSP Capital Challenge to grow support in Congress for legislation aimed to increase wages for the direct support workforce –H.R. 868.

This is a competition among ANCOR’s network of providers to see which individual agency can generate the most contacts to Members of Congress in support of the bill!

The winner of the competition will be recognized and awarded at ANCOR’s 2010 Management Practices Conference in New Orleans (April 11-13, 2010).

It’s easy to enter the competition… here are a few quick tips.

1. There are three ways to contact your U.S. Representative –phone call, email, or district office visit.
2. Anyone can participate – we just need to know which agency you are representing so we can keep score.
3. Be sure to sign up and enter your information through ANCOR’s website.

We are making a strong push to increase awareness in Washington of who DSPs are and how increased wages for this workforce can mitigate the growing direct support workforce crisis.

Please help ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign in support of the Direct Support Workforce by participating in the DSP Capital Challenge. Take a stand and urge your Member of Congress to co-sponsor H.R. 868!

DSP Recognition Contest 2010

Do you know a DSP that deserves recognition for their outstanding work supporting clients? Is there someone on staff that has gone above and beyond in promoting independent living for their consumer? Do you have a compelling story to share about how a DSP has increased the social involvement of a consumer in their community?

If so, ANCOR wants to know about it!

ANCOR will be accepting nominations for the 4th Annual DSP Recognition Awards starting in January. This is a great opportunity to recognize the work of your most dedicated direct support staff!

Visit www.ancor.org in December for information on contest criteria, nomination materials, and highlights of previous award winners!

Plan now to nominate your strongest candidate for ANCOR’s 2010 DSP Recognition Contest!

October

The View From Capitol Hill

There is no rest for the weary, particularly in Washington!

It goes without saying that national healthcare reform remains the top priority for congressional leadership and the White House. Whereas the President’s initiative was to have concluded before August recess, debate is spilling over into the Fall crowding an already over-crowded legislative schedule and butting up against several other NAC priorities.

Along with continued efforts to grow support for workforce wage legislation (H.R. 868) and seek a congressional workforce hearing in the House, ANCOR has also devoted significant resources to the reform measure.

Working with Senator Snowe (R-ME), one of the “gang of six” moderate Senators looking for compromise, we have been working to include two important changes to the bill that would greatly enhance the NAC effort. First, we are asking the Senate Finance Committee to accept language included in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) version of the bill. Second, we are asking Snowe to offer an amendment that would create a federal commission to study the workforce crisis and offer grants for training purposes.

We will keep you posted as the debate evolves!

ANCOR Launches ‘DSP Capital Challenge’

In September, ANCOR launched the DSP Capital Challenge as part of renewed efforts to generate support in Congress for workforce wage legislation. This is a competition among ANCOR members to see which agency can generate the most contacts to their U.S. Representative in support of H.R. 868.

ANCOR, through its National Advocacy Campaign, is making a push to grow the number of co-sponsors for H.R. 868 by concentrating on localized constituent contact with Members of Congress. Agencies are encouraged to learn more about the bill and how to contact their U.S. Representatives to urge their support by visiting www.ancor.org.

An award will be given to the agency that generates the most qualified contacts to their Member of Congress. The competition runs through November 13, 2009. Click here for information, rules and to sign up for the competition. Is your agency up for challenge?

DSP Week a HUGE Success!

In late July, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 228 declaring the week of September 14-19, 2009 as National Direct Support Professionals Week. This recognition by the Senate is important as ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign (NAC) works to increase funding for DSPs and improve supports and services for people with disabilities. The recognition of DSP week is another victory in the fight to improve wages, education and training, and enhance the quality of services individuals with disabilities and their families receive.

To compliment this national recognition and highlight the direct support workforce in the states, ANCOR also pursued proclamations from the governors of 10 select states. Joining this celebration through their proclamations were Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota and Virginia. ANCOR efforts with governors proved so successful that next year we will approach all 50 states!

DSP Recognition Week was celebrated across the country with special events and ceremonies earmarked to honor the tens of thousands of workers who enable our most fragile citizens and their families to live healthy community-oriented lives. “No matter the nomenclature,” says Pietrangelo, “whether they are known as direct support professionals, direct care workers or direct service staff, National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week was a significant and very public way to demonstrate gratitude for what direct support professionals unselfishly do for so many.”

Abundant Celebrations!

ANCOR member agency celebrations ran the gamut by including both internal and external activities and community/media outreach efforts to their calendars the week of September 14-19. Samples of DSP Recognition Week materials received prior to ANCOR’s Governmental Activities Seminar provided a glimpse of what would be going on that week in communities across the country.

Highlights included, but are not limited to, Mid Hudson Coalition’s billboard advertising that was bold statement of support for DSPs, plus SPEAKS and CRSI – OH’s print advertising for local newspapers. Among the personal items for DSPs were Certificates of Honor from ResCare and gift items such as pens, note pads, shoulder carry bags, You Need to Know Me shopping bags and lapel pins from a variety of agencies such as OHI.
Mosaic and others created custom DSP week posters. New Avenue provided their official activity schedules that asked families and agency staff to save the dates for celebrations and sign a congressional petition. In general, DSP Week activities ranged from special picnics, breakfasts, luncheons, dinners and awards programs to NYSACRA’s distinctive one-day conference honoring the DSP workforce.

Acquiring media attention was a top priority for agency PR directors. Rainbow of Challenges wrote that they reaped radio and TV interviews as well as garnering proclamations from their city mayor and county! They also placed a series of human-interest stories with their local media. Throughout the country, DSP week appeared in local news media in print and online newspaper editions as both news articles and opinion editorials. Blogging was another favored medium and DSP Recognition Week made appearances in the new wave of social media networks.

We want to hear from you! ANCOR is looking for fresh ideas to celebrate DSP Recognition Week in 2010, so send ideas and suggestions to ancor@ancor.org.

September

Health Care Reform

Congress spent most of July negotiating the main elements of the President’s proposed health care reform bill. The effort, expected to cost hundreds of billions of dollars and provide health care coverage for 97% on Americans, is still being debated, re-written and politicized by both sides of the political spectrum.

ANCOR has been working closely with key law makers to try and carve out a small niche to help ease the workforce crisis. In particular, we have been working with Senator Snowe (R-ME) and Congresswoman Capps (D-CA) seeking language that will create a national workforce commission, chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, that will bring all of the stake-holders together to examine the workforce crisis and make suggestions for solving it. In addition, we are looking to secure federal grants to the states to fund individual efforts to attack the problem.

Timing for consideration of the bill is a moving target. We will keep you informed and may well be seeking your assistance before this is all said and done!

Workforce Legislation

Even though the House has been almost exclusively focused on health care reform, we continue to push ahead for support of H.R. 868. We have developed an aggressive plan to secure additional co-sponsors once Congress returns from their summer break. We continue to work closely with our two lead sponsors, Capps (D-CA) and Terry (R-NE), to grow support and raise awareness of the workforce on the Hill.

In addition, we continue to work with the House Energy and Commerce Committee about being part of a workforce hearing later this fall. As the schedule evolves, we will keep you informed!

DSP Recognition Week 2009

In late July, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved Senate Resolution 228 designating the week beginning September 14 as “National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week.” Sponsored by Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE), the resolution recognizes the invaluable supports Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide and the difference this workforce makes in the lives of Americans with disabilities.

“This resolution will draw positive attention to the millions of professionals across the country who help support individuals living with disabilities,” said Senator Nelson. “They often work long hours with little pay, but their contributions are critical. Today we recognize their dedication and vital role in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities of all ages.”

Along with the DSP Recognition Week resolution passed by the U.S. Senate, several state governors have also designated the week of September 14 for DSPs. In a targeted effort to raise awareness of the direct support workforce in certain states, ANCOR, working with key members across the country, was successful in having DSP Week Proclamations issued in Arkansas, Colorado, Maryland, Maine, Nebraska, New York* and Virginia.

Agencies across the country will be participating in activities to celebrate DSPs and show our appreciation for the tremendous difference DSPs make in the lives of people with disabilities – and, advocate for increased wages for this critical workforce.

Visit www.ancor.org for more information on how your agency can celebrate DSP Week!

*The Direct Support Professional Association of New York State (DSPANYS) took the initiative to seek a proclamation from Governor Paterson prior to ANCOR’s outreach. Thanks to DSPANYS, New York was the first state to issue the DSP Week proclamation.

NAC Grassroots Activism

A key component of the National Advocacy Campaign is strengthening our grassroots network and engaging a broader audience of stakeholders to advocate on behalf of higher wages for the direct support workforce.

The NAC has been successful since its inception in 2001, due in large part to an active and vocal base of support. Now, more than ever, we must continue to grow that base. ANCOR has launched several grassroots programs over the years to recognize and engage DSPs to be leaders in communicating with decision makers on the workforce issue. Such programs are instrumental in our capacity to effectively convey the need for higher wages and the real threat not addressing the workforce crisis will have on the ability of providers to meet the needs of their consumers.

ANCOR will continue to grow our “grassroots army” and advocate for higher wages for DSPs, but we can’t do it without the help of our members. We encourage agencies to become active in the NAC and engage their DSPs, and the families of their consumers, in this campaign.

Please take the time and join the NAC through our website: www.youneedtoknowme.org. Sign up to receive emails and we’ll keep you informed of current events and ways to get involved!

DSP Capital Challenge

This September, ANCOR announces the DSP Capital Challenge! This is a friendly competition among ANCOR members to see which agency can generate the most contacts to their U.S. Representative in support of H.R. 868, the Direct Support Professional Fairness and Security Act.

We are making a push to grow the number of co-sponsors for H.R. 868 and it all starts at home – with you – in district! Agencies are encouraged to learn more about the bill and how to contact their member of Congress to urge their support by visiting www.ancor.org. Click on “DSP Capital Challenge”.

An award will be given to the agency that generates the most qualified contacts to their member of Congress. The competition starts September 13 and runs through November 13. Visit www.ancor.org for more information on competition rules and to sign up.

July/August

Health Care Reform & Workforce Legislation

With the Obama Administration and party leaders in Congress pushing to have comprehensive health care reform legislation to the floor by late summer, ANCOR is pursuing opportunities to include the direct support workforce as part of the dialogue and proposed legislation. ANCOR has met with key U.S. Senators to lobby our position that true reform cannot occur without recognizing the growing workforce crisis and the need to ensure quality supports are available to a rising number of Americans with disabilities. This issue is a priority for the NAC, and we will continue to speak up and advocate on behalf of the workforce throughout the debate.

We also continue to increase awareness and grow support in the U.S. House of Representatives for H.R. 868, the Direct Support Professional Fairness and Security Act of 2009. Our efforts include increasing the number if co-sponsors for the workforce bill, and working toward a congressional hearing on the workforce crisis.

Our efforts on Capitol Hill are only as successful as your efforts in district. If you haven’t already contacted your Representative, please visit ANCOR’s action alert center and send a message today in support of H.R. 868!

Online Advocacy Training and Collaboration

The tools we use to communicate have evolved rapidly over time – in particular, the last decade. The rise of the Internet, and our dependence on it, has revolutionized our ability to share information, interact and learn.

Recently, ANCOR announced it would assist in developing a self-advocacy module to online training curriculum offered by the College of Direct Support. This provides a tremendous opportunity and tool to reach more than 88,000 DSPs each day, and train them as advocates! This module is being developed in partnership with the University of Minnesota, and with advocacy expertise from Daryn Demeritt of ResCare.

FYI – ANCOR will be hosting an online advocacy workshop in August for ANCOR members and DSPs to learn quick tips on how to “lobby” Congress and become an effective advocate on workforce issues. Stay tuned for details!

Celebrate DSP Recognition Week -- September 13-19, 2009

In June, the ANCOR Board unanimously adopted a resolution marking the week of September 13 as Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. Talks are underway on Capitol Hill to garner a U.S. Senate Resolution to establish this week concurrently as a national event.
The intent and purpose of Direct Support Professional Recognition Week is two-fold.

• Honor DSPs for their commitment and devotion to supporting individuals and building community-inclusion for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

• Build at-home support for increasing DSPs wages, an issue that underscores the growing DSP workforce crisis.

ANCOR is readying resources to assist members in showcasing the work of DSPs during this recognition week in their own communities. Over the summer, ANCOR members and Public Relations Council will receive template materials, ideas and successes collected from last year’s celebration and some fresh new recommendations to ensure a successful week in 2009.

Among the activities being planned are a Congressional call-in day to your member of Congress and an NAC fundraiser, such as ANCOR member Evant’s annual “Walk, Run or Roll” to raise awareness of DSPs -- and funds for the National Advocacy Campaign!
Look for more information on DSP Recognition Week activities coming your way this summer. If you have activity ideas to share, please send them to Denise Patton-Pace.

Is your Public Relations/Communications Director a member of ANCOR’s PR Council? If not, sign up at info@youneedtoknowme.org to receive monthly NAC tools and resources!

Ohio Provider Shows Spirit and Support for the NAC

Each spring, Evant in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, holds a “Walk, Run or Roll” to raise dollars for ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign. Evant’s "Walk, Run or Roll" is a one-mile indoor community event in support of ANCOR’s initiative to advocate for improved wages, programs, and training for DSPs who work directly with people with disabilities.

“We use the Akron University indoor track in the morning between 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m,” says Sherry Gedeon, Evant executive director. “Even if the weather is bad, we can have people involved. Participants get sponsors and some family members contribute.” All donations for Evant’s “Walk, Run or Roll” given to the ANCOR National Advocacy Campaign and are tax deductible.

Evant also sponsors a poster contest in conjunction with their “Walk, Run or Roll.” “Our residents create posters that talk about how much they appreciate their staff,” explains Sherry. The poster winners (resident and staff member) are treated to dinner out on the town. The posters are displayed at the track during the “Walk, Run or Roll.”

Congratulations to Evant for a successful event, and special thanks for their efforts to support the work of the NAC!

June

The Very Merry Month Of May

First, thank you to everyone who has reached out to your Members of Congress and askedthem to co-sponsor H.R. 868, the Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act of 2009. To date, we have 16 co-sponsors!

Contact by you, the constituent, with Members of Congress is key to raising awareness of our issue, creating the momentum we need to grow our co-sponsorship numbers and realizing a congressional hearing this year on the DSP workforce issue!

Get involved TODAY! Click here to contact your Member of Congress.

In the House

In recent weeks, ANCOR has been busy blitzing Capitol Hill seeking support for the bill and for a workforce hearing.

Since the last issue of LINKS, we have reached out directly to 112 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. ANCOR has met with the staff from key ofÞces on the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Health Subcommittee, whose support will be critical to securing a workforce hearing, and ultimately advancing H.R. 868.

ANCOR has also reached out to the Members of Congress that co-sponsored H.R. 1279 in the last Congress, but have not yet co-sponsored H.R. 868. These Members are prime targets to quickly boost our co-sponsor numbers. But we need your help! If you haven't already done so, please click here and urge your Member of Congress to co-sponsor H.R. 868.

In the Senate

Great News! Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska has agreed to again introduce the DSP Recognition Week Resolution for 2009. Last year, Senator Nelson was joined by 10 of his
colleagues to co-sponsor and unanimously pass Senate Resolution 613, designating the
week of September 8, 2008 as National Direct Support Professionals Week.

This year, ANCOR has asked Senator Nelson to designate the week of September 14 as
DSP Recognition Week - to coincide with ANCOR's 2009 Governmental Activities Seminar.

ANCOR is preparing materials and information for DSPs and providers to celebrate DSP
Recognition Week in their communities. Stay tuned - more information to come!

Find out more about ANCOR's National Advocacy Campaign. Visit www.youneedtoknowme.org or contact Jeff Britt at jbritt@mwcllc.com

May

Workforce Legislation Gaining Steam in the House

Since H.R. 868, the Direct Support Professional Fairness and Security Act of 2009, was re-introduced in February, ANCOR has been aggressively working towards a workforce hearing in the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee. To date, we have met directly with staff of nearly twenty key Members of the Subcommittee. Our goals have been to first ask them to co-sponsor the legislation and second, to prep them for a potential congressional hearing later this year.

While we have been well-received by these offices, we need the help of ANCOR members to reinforce our position among Members of Congress! As effective as it is for ANCOR's lobbyists to make these visits, Members of Congress always respond very well to a constituent request.

To this end, we will be sending out action alerts in the coming weeks and will rely heavily on ANCOR members in targeted Congressional Districts to help us reach out to key House members.

We are closer to our goal than ever before! H.R. 868 has been well-received by both Republicans and Democrats. Our lobbying activity is having an effect with 14 co-sponsors
signed on since February. With your help, we will increase that number considerably and achieve a congressional hearing on the direct care workforce this year!

DSP Recognition Week Resolution to be Re-Introduced in the Senate

After last year's great success, ANCOR is preparing to re-introduce a resolution in the
Senate to designate a week in September 2009 as National Direct Support Professionals Week. Not only does this allow us to pay tribute to the men and women serving the disability community, but it also provides us with another opportunity to educate Senators on the impact of DSPs in the community and raise awareness of the growing workforce crisis.

ANCOR is also planning to coordinate state and local activities to coincide with DSP Week
and will be providing agencies with ideas and materials to promote the work of their DSPs
and raise awareness of the tremendous difference DSPs make in the lives of people with disabilities, and within the communities they serve. This is a great opportunity to wave the
workforce flag and increase support for our issue. Stay tuned for more information!

Get Involved in the NAC!

Help send a message to Capitol Hill that DSPs need higher wages!

Today, ANCOR is recruiting foot soldiers to join the NAC Task Force Ð a 'minuteman' advocacy group prepared to lead the charge for DSPs in Washington. Unlike those in the
American Revolution, our minutemen will be armed with cell phones, email and the ability
to mobilize quickly around federal matters that arise related to the DSP workforce. Join the revolution! Visit www.youneedtoknowme.org and click "Get Involved." !

April

Growing Support for H.R. 868

ANCOR has begun to implement a focused, concentrated effort to reach key Members of the House Energy & Commerce Committee Health Subcommittee related to recently re-introduced workforce legislation. By press time, we had met directly with twenty-one Members of the Subcommittee from all over the country. Our strategy is two-fold: first, we asked members to co-sponsor H.R. 868, concentrating on the Members that had been co-sponsors of H.R. 1279 during the previous Congress; second, we began building the case for a hearing on the workforce that would include ANCOR members and DSPs.

As part of this effort, we used the results of the national DSP wage data survey to dramatically illustrate the workforce crisis in each Member’s home state. Where possible, we provided them with information about ANCOR members they represent. Support among these Members of the House is paramount to achieving success in a hearing and moving our legislation forward!

Healthcare Reform Gets Traction

The House and Senate, having dispensed with the economic stimulus bill and last year’s federal appropriations, are primed to begin a period of intensive work on comprehensive healthcare reform. Both the House and Senate have begun preliminary hearings and legislative drafting. As spring rolls into summer, the effort will mature until legislation is ready for consideration.

Given the expansive scope of the healthcare problem (ranging from the uninsured, to rising premium costs, to long-term care and quality access) we have an opportunity to become an active participant in the debate in both Houses of Congress.

It is our intention to get companion legislation (similar to H.R. 868) introduced in the Senate as quickly as possible. This will allow us to actively engage Senate offices on the workforce crisis in a tangible way. Where before we had approached the Senate on an intellectual basis, we will now be able to show them the effect of this problem on their constituents.

We hope to advance the initiative to the point of legislative relief!

DSP Recognition Contest Winners Announced

Last month during the Management Practices Conference and Trade Show in San Francisco, ANCOR announced the winners of its 2009 DSP Recognition Contest. Thirty-nine state winners and one National DSP of the Year were selected among more than 260 nominations received from across forty-four states. As well, ANCOR bestowed two special awards to recipients who demonstrated leadership and character among their peers.

Darlene Ricco

ANCOR is pleased to recognize these DSPs for their tremendous work and for the considerable difference they make each day in the lives of people with disabilities, and in the communities they serve.

ANCOR honored Darlene Ricco of Dungarvin Nevada, LLC in Carson City as the 2009 Direct Support Professional of the Year. Thirty-nine additional DSPs received awards as best of the best in their respective states.

In addition, a posthumous award was given to Pansy Wilson, Salem Villages MRDD, Inc. in Gainesville, Florida, for her amazing courage, strength and unswerving dedication.

A special award was given during this year’s ceremony. In recognition of their initiative and vision, 14 DSPs received a special tribute for creating the Direct Support Professionals Alliance of New York State. Receiving the ANCOR Advocacy Award were Amy Sheak, Barbara del Ventura, Darrell Griffin, Elizabeth Armstrong, Lysa Hitchens, Ellington Crowe, JaQuuad Hemingway, Joseph McCrea, Michael Tuggey, Sean Delaney, Theresa Laws, Peaches Conquest, Cynthia Wallace and Wil Parker.

“The selection process was very difficult this year as there were so many inspiring, compelling and deserving nominees. I am so very proud that ANCOR recognizes and honors the incredible work done by these professionals,” said Renee Pietrangelo, ANCOR CEO.

Pansy Wilson

The 2009 Direct Support Professional of the Year Award was presented to Ricco by ANCOR President Peter Kowalski. “Darlene Ricco represents the best in America. Her direct support work stands out as a model for others. Making a difference is her way of life. She is a consummate DSP,” said Kowalski.

ANCOR also recognized 39 individual State Direct Support Professional of the Year winners. These winners showed a commitment to helping people with disabilities improve their independence, self-determination, and integration into the larger community. Vignettes showcasing their individual stories will be posted in the near future at www.youneedtoknowme.org.

For a full listing, and to learn more about the winners of ANCOR’s 2009 DSP Recognition Contest, see the special insert in this issue of LINKS.

For more information about the National Advocacy Campaign, contact Jeff Britt at jbritt@ mwcllc.com.

March

ANCOR Releases Results of National DSP Wage Survey

ANCOR recently released the results of a national survey that clearly illustrate the growing need for increased federal funding for low-wage workers who provide supports to people with disabilities. The 2008 Direct Support Professionals Wage Study, which was conducted in partnership between ANCOR and the Mosaic Collaborative for Disabilities Public Policy and Practice, imparts a sobering view of a national healthcare workforce in crisis.

A key finding of the report shows the national average starting wage for private provider DSPs in community programs is $8.53 per hour, compared to the average starting wage of $12.13 for state-employed DSPs. This represents a 42 percent difference. Annualized, the average entry wage for a private provider DSP falls just short of the federal poverty level – the private DSP entry wage is $17,744 compared to the federal baseline (for a family of three) of $17,600.

“As demand for the supports provided by DSPs grows exponentially, low wages will prevent private providers from attracting and retaining a qualified workforce,” said Renee Pietrangelo, CEO of ANCOR.

This report substantiates ANCOR’s claims that a stark disparity exists between state and private DSPs, and provides the statistical data necessary to compliment our continued efforts before Congress to increase Medicaid funding to the states for DSP wages, training, and technology.

Workforce Wage Legislation Introduced in Congress

Last month, Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) and Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE) introduced The Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act of 2009 into the 111th Congress.

The bill, H.R. 868, seeks to amend the Social Security Act to provide funds to states to enable them to increase the wages paid to targeted direct support professionals who are providing services to individuals with disabilities under Medicaid.

During the last Congress, similar legislation gained more than 130 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives, including a significant number of House Energy & Commerce Committee members, which has jurisdiction over the legislation.

ANCOR has begun a very aggressive and targeted outreach and lobbying program that is designed to raise awareness of our issue on the Hill, to lead to a congressional hearing on the greater workforce issue, and secure a reliable and dedicated funding source to realize pay parity between private and public direct support professionals.

Just as important to our direct lobbying efforts on the Hill is a strong grassroots push by ANCOR members. This coming year ANCOR will rely heavily on our network of activists and supporters to help deliver our message to Congress that DSPs deserve a fair and livable wage! This will require a commitment of time, energy and resources by our members, and we hope you will join us in this effort.

2009

2008

2007