It’s time to rally! We need your help to ask your Senator to cosponsor and support the chapter 257 workforce amendment and other important amendments filed by our Senate Champions. The following amendments must pass in the Senate debate coming up early next week.
Increase Chapter 257 Human Services Rate Reserve
Support Amendment #466 sponsored by Chair Adam Gomez
From providers serving congregate care settings to individuals with disabilities who need supports in their homes, the entire service delivery system is in crisis recruiting, hiring, and retaining direct support staff. To make sure people with disabilities receive the supports and services required for their health, safety, and meaningful opportunities of community inclusion, we strongly urge the legislature to increase the Governor’s H2 proposed rates for these essential staff at $16.79/per hour to a more competitive rate of $20/per hour range.
Increase Chapter 257 Human Services Rate Reserve
Support Amendment #402 sponsored by Sen. Patrick O’Connor
Sen. O’Connor’s amendment adds funding that will address all staff including nurses, clinicians who earn more than $40,000 per year and leave our field to go to schools and medical settings, as well as other basic costs in services (health care costs, rents, utilities, transportation, etc.). Individuals with disabilities who need supports whether in congregate or in their homes, need a stable workforce. We are in a crisis recruiting, hiring, and retaining direct support staff. To make sure people with disabilities receive the supports and services required for their health, safety, and meaningful opportunities of community inclusion, we strongly urge the legislature to increase the Governor’s H2 proposed rates for these essential staff at $16.79/per hour to a more competitive rate in the $20/per hour range.
Sustain MassHealth Day Habilitation and Adult Foster Care (AFC) Programs
Support Amendment #490 sponsored by Senator Joan Lovely
Preserve the current MassHealth rates for Day Habilitation Programs and AFC (not covered by Chapter 257), continuing the emergency increase provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). On July 1, 2022, the ARPA temporary rate increase will be reversed, and AFC and Day Habilitation rates will be decreased by 10%. Maintaining Day Habilitation rates will help put individuals back into day programs and allow AFC providers to increase financial stipends to live-in caregivers who are accountable around-the-clock, and rates have remained stagnant since 2017.
Maintain Community Day and Employment Program
Support Amendment #535 sponsored by Senator John Keenan
Provide adequate funding to restore utilization of day and employment programs for the thousands of individuals who are without access to services. This request anticipates an increased service capacity over the course of the coming fiscal year as staff are retained and recruited at higher salaries.
Stabilize Human Services Transportation
Support Amendment #889 sponsored by Senator Susan Moran
For transportation costs related to returning individuals to Community Day and Employment programs and preparation for any increased service need that may occur during the fiscal year in response to increased vaccinations and any improvement in the public health emergency.
Address Utilization and Unserved Families
Support Amendment #502 sponsored by Senator Mike Moore
For flexible use of funding for support including goods and services by individuals not receiving adequate congregate day services including payment to responsible parties.
Please support!