Outstanding news! Yesterday, Governor Murphy signed the revised Fiscal Year 2021 budget that includes $40 million to increase wages for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)! The DSP wage increase will go into effect on January 1, 2021, when the state’s minimum wage is set to rise to $12 per hour. There is no question your advocacy hand a hand in making this wage increase a reality!
It has long been a goal of our Coalition to secure competitive wages for DSPs that reflect the skill, responsibility and training required for the job. And thanks to you and your effective advocacy, we are certainly making progress. But no question, there is no doubt more work to do!
Please continue to stay engaged—your involvement and outreach to policymakers is why we have been able to secure NEW funding for DSPs wages over these past few years! Many thanks for your efforts and congratulations on a job well done.
As chair, I am grateful for your advocacy, and grateful to Governor Murphy, Senate President Steve Sweeney, Speaker Craig Coughlin and our friends in the Legislature for listening to us and supporting our efforts!
Please stay safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Valerie Sellers
Chairperson/NJACP CEO
