Dear Coalition for a DSP Living Wage:
Now, more than ever, we need your voice to tell Governor Murphy and legislative leaders that funding for wages for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) must be included in FY2021. While we understand the state is facing significant financial challenges due to the public health crisis, DSPs and the individuals they support cannot be casualties of the budget shortfall. People’s lives are on the line.
COVID-19 has magnified the need for DSPs and how this underpaid, essential group of workers deserve the appropriate protection and compensation to perform their high-risk, demanding work. To that end, the final FY2021 budget must include Gov. Murphy’s proposed $21 million of new state funding (plus $21 million federal Medicaid match) to raise DSP wages.
We are asking Coalition advocates (parents, family members, self-advocates, providers, DSPs, disability organizations, etc.) to email or call elected officials below and briefly explain why it’s critical to YOU that the final FY2021 budget includes funding for DSP wages.
Here is a budget one-pager that provides an overview of the FY2021 Coalition for a DSP Living Wage funding ASK. Please use this messaging in your call/email, but personalize your message as much as possible.
- Email Governor Murphy or call him at (609) 292-600.
- Email Senate President Steve Sweeney (SenSweeney@njleg.org) or call him at (856) 251-9801.
- Email Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (AsmCoughlin@njleg.org) or call him (732) 855-7441.
- Email Senate Budget Chair Paul Sarlo (SenSarlo@njleg.org) or call him at (201) 804-8118
- Email Assembly Budget Chair Eliana Pintor Marin (AswPintorMarin@njleg.org) or call her at (973) 589-0713.
The importance of your involvement cannot be overstated. If we stay silent, there is a very real possibility that not only will there be no new funding for DSP wages in FY2021, their wages could be cut. This would be devastating to all of us.
Let us unite and use our collective voice to be heard! Please do not hesitate to reach out to NJACP’s Maureen Shea (mshea@njacp.org) with any questions or concerns
Thank you in advance for your involvement!
Sincerely,
Valerie Sellers
Chair, NJ Coalition for a DSP Living Wage
CEO, New Jersey Association of Community Providers
