Fw: Advocacy Alert: Please call your legislator about the Careg

[Tom Bird]

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----- Forwarded Message -----

From: "Marianne Huff" <marian...@sbcglobal.net>

To: "Marianne Huff" <marian...@sbcglobal.net>, "Marianne Huff" <mhuf...@gmail.com>

Cc:

Sent: Fri, Nov 23, 2018 at 8:33 PM

Subject: Advocacy Alert:  Please call your legislator about the Careg

Dear Friends:

Please see the information provided by the ARC-Michigan about the caregiver staffing crisis and the need to request additional Medicaid funding to support those who care for our most vulnerable Michigan citizens.  Also, the issue is described in the attached "Letter from Lansing, November, 2018" from the Mental Health Association in Michigan. 

ADVOCACY ALERT!

THE ISSUE: CAREGIVER STAFFING CRISIS

·         People with developmental disabilities or mental illness often rely on direct care workers for essential supports which enable them to access their community, work, and live full, meaningful lives.

·         Inadequate wages have created a critical direct care shortage.

·         Turnover rates average 37%. Some providers have been forced to discontinue services.

·         Direct care starting wages, which are tied to Medicaid funding, are too low. Service providers cannot compete with other businesses that hire at the same level, often with fewer work demands. 

ACTIONS NEEDED TODAY

·         PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL your state representative and state senator.

·         ASK THEM to support additional Medicaid funding for a $0.75 per hour wage increase for direct care workers in the Fiscal Year 2019 Supplemental Appropriations Budget. This allocation is intended to recognize the impact of the upcoming minimum wage increase and reduce turnover rates.

·         EXPLAIN that a staff wage increase advances the objectives of improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and increasing their access to supports and services.

·         SHARE your story: how the staffing crisis negatively affects you, as a person receiving services, family member, direct care worker or service provider.

 Find your state representative here:

http://house.michigan.gov/mhrpublic/frmFindaRep.aspx

 Find your state senator here: http://www.senate.michigan.gov/fysbyaddress.html

 For more information, please see attached position statement or contact Salli Christenson at the Arc Michigan. sal...@arcmi.org or 800 292-7851

 Supported by: MARO, MALA, Arc Michigan, CMH Assn. of Michigan, NAMI Michigan, Autism Alliance of Michigan, MPAS, Community Living Services, ACMH, Mental Health Assn. in Michigan, Michigan Disability Rights Coalition

10/17/18

Thank you!

Marianne

Marianne Huff, CEO/Founder

Person-Centered Advocacy Services, LLC

Person-Centered Counseling Services, LLC

Business phone:  616-848-7630

Cell phone:  313-641-1109

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