July 2, 2019-Governor Approves

Dear Coalition for a DSP Living Wage:

YOU did it! Thanks to you outstanding advocacy, the final FY2020 budget Governor Murphy signed into law yesterday includes $20 million in new state funding for DSP wages (which will generate an additional $20 million with the federal Medicaid match).

While this appropriation of $20 million fell short of our goal of $54 million, we are grateful to Governor Murphy for keeping the DSP wage increase in the final budget with so many competing forces at play. The Coalition is especially appreciative of the commitment of the Legislature to invest in the DSP workforce and the leadership of Senate President Sweeney and Speaker Coughlin to make it a priority.

There is no greater threat the community-based, disability service system than the DSP workforce crisis and we won’t let up until DSP wages are line with the responsibilities and demands of the job.

We hope you will continue the fight with us. Only together will be able to achieve competitive wages for DSPs that are deserved and long overdue.
 
Sincerely,
Valerie Sellers