Three new bills and several previous session bills are being filed for the 2023-2024 session of our State Legislature.
The Arc and the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) joined together on a workforce bill which proposes to increase rates to meet a minimum benchmark of the 75th percentile of the Massachusetts Bureau of Labor Statistics for all direct support, clinical, and other program salaries. The bill, if passed, will positively impact all services at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) through Chapter 257, and MassHealth Day Habilitation rates. It is sponsored by Senator Barry Finegold and Representative Sean Garballey.
Two other new bills also are related to the workforce crisis:
- A bill to allow guardian caregivers and others with legal standing to be paid for providing AFC and PCA services is being filed by Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Jim O’Day.
- A pilot to provide free community college to direct support staff with two years of experience is being filed by Senator Michael Barrett and Representative Dave Rogers.
We hope to have docket numbers and bills posted by the middle of next week so you can help recruit legislative co-sponsors. Join us to advocate for these and other bills for our community!
