From a Direct Support Professional
Dear Editor,
The cycle continues, as direct support professionals (DSPs) and individuals with developmental disabilities endure another anxious budget surplus calculation exceeding $1 billion. Governor Dayton, on February 28, projected a $1.65 billion state surplus for fiscal year 2018-2019 and a $743 million ending balance for the biennial budget. This has generated calls, editorials, and advocacy movements demanding quantifiable distribution of public funds.
Dayton said the budget forecast is very good economic news and, “the eighth straight budget forecast that shows still-further improvement in our state’s finances.”
I think I speak for all DSPs when I ask: How does legislation plan to solve our workforce epidemic, or is this not included in your “forecast?” It’s been reported that there are an estimated 9,000 unfilled DSP positions and record staff turnover rates. But, a select group of elected leaders is ignoring their value. We are the reason people’s loved ones are cleaned, fed, dressed for the day and kept safe. In fact, individuals I serve say this “personal care is literally life or death to many of us.” DSPs are the reason that people’s loved ones with disabilities can work, pay taxes, contribute to our economy, and experience opportunities. We are the pros who empower others to make “person-centered” life choices and to truly be a part of the community.
Some might remember the $1 billion+ surplus for fiscal year 2015-2016. There were no cost of living modifications for DSPs. Many of these folks soldier on, regardless of pay, some working three jobs, raising families and, like me, attending school. They are committed to the people with disabilities they serve and the providers. Best Life Alliance Chair and parent Pam Gonnella may have said it best. “If we don’t address the workforce shortage, the entire system will fall apart.”
We urge the governor and legislators to take this as a top priority. Hear our voices when we rally, and listen. We can show the world how Minnesota values its workers who are the backbone and foundation of caring for all of us.
Sincerely,
Kayla Beuning, LSW
Program Specialist
Partnership Resources, Inc.
St. Louis Park
Letters from service providers
Letter 1
There’s an often-unspoken crisis underway for providers of service to people with disabilities in Minnesota, and it is about the people who are the lifeblood of any industry employees. Direct support staff or professionals (DSPs) are often underpaid, and that fact impacts our ability to both attract quality workers and to retain them. Other industries can increase sales and raise prices, but ours is dependent on set reimbursement rates from the state government which dictate the payments received for services. The lack of support (or lack of increases) from the state Legislature have left us with an estimated 8,700 open positions, statewide. So, we are asking the Minnesota Legislature for a 4 percent increase in these rates to helps us to serve people with disabilities. Please call your state legislators and share your support for the Best Life Alliance’s 4 percent campaign. People with disabilities are counting on you.
Letter 2
Most of us see people with disabilities in the community, whether out shopping, at a movie theater, in the doctor’s office or working a job. We might not pay as much attention to the staff members who guide these visits, give job supports and provide the care that’s needed. There is a crisis among these staff members, driven by stagnant wages. Competition for employees, particularly entry level positions, continues to grow, and that impacts disability service providers. Providers are paid set reimbursement rates by the state government. These rates tend to stay flat, or increase at a very slow rate. While that’s happening, nonprofits like ours are losing staff members to other industries and struggling to fill open positions. That means less community involvement, less job support and other negative impacts on people with disabilities. We’re asking people to support the Best Life Alliance campaign to raise these wages. Please contact your legislators and share your support for the group’s 4 percent campaign. Sometimes, more people are needed to take a stand for the people who may not be able to stand up for themselves.
Letter 3
A huge crowd filled the Minnesota Capitol Rotunda in recent days to let our legislators know that there is a problem that needs solving this year. It is about people with disabilities and staff members, or direct support professionals, who provide the services they need. We love to see people with disabilities in the community. They’re working, they’re out at parks, they volunteer and more. What we don’t often notice are the staff members who help them. There’s a shortage of these important people, who we refer to as direct support professionals (DSPs). Restaurants and other industries are offering better pay, but ours is stuck, due to limited state funding. This has left an estimated 8,700 DSP positions open across Minnesota. And, an increased turnover rate is even more harmful to us because we rely so heavily on caring people connections. We’re asking everyone to contact their legislators to support the Best Life Alliance Campaign. It calls for a 4 percent wage increase for direct support professionals. It’s a modest increase, but one that we feel is more than justified and, dare I say crucial, to support people with disabilities.