Opinion: Prevent a Staffing Crisis

Wonderful opinion piece by NYS Assemblyman Jim Tedisco. Should go beyond New York's ARCs, but he knows his constituents. If you're planning or advocating on staff salaries in any state, give it a read.

As we approach the New Year, many of us in state government are turning our thoughts toward next year's state budget and spending priorities. Those spending priorities should begin with protecting our most vulnerable citizens.

Currently, New York's ARCs and those agencies that care for 60,000 developmentally disabled individuals are facing enormous pressure to recruit and retain qualified employees.The 48 community-based ARC nonprofit agencies employ 29,000 workers. Funding for the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities that supports our ARCs has been relatively flat the past few years.

With Caregiver Pay Hike, Feds Warn States About ADA Obligations

As new rules roll out mandating better pay for in-home care workers, federal officials say states must not compromise the rights of people with disabilities in the process.

Starting in January, home care workers will qualify for the first time for federal minimum wage and overtime protections. Now, the Obama administration is warning states not to forget the needs of people with disabilities — who often rely on in-home care providers — as they implement the new policy.