The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) released the Community Attendant Survey Report in February 2023. HHSC conducted a community attendant survey to collect quantitative data to identify challenges facing the provision of
community attendant services, inform and guide policy, and assess progress of workforce interventions.
Over the last decade, Texas has made significant investments in road, water, and energy
infrastructure. But as more than one thousand people move to Texas every single day, a strategy to expand and improve the state’s care infrastructure is crucial. Strong families are the foundation of a healthy society. Care infrastructure includes the policies, resources, and services necessary to help Texas families meet their caregiving needs. As Texas is blessed with a historic surplus, there is no better time to consider investments to benefit the growing economy and families through care
infrastructure.
The Arc of Texas urges to legislators to increase the base wage for direct care workers to $17/hour.
- The Arc of Texas supports Governor Abbott’s 2024-2025 budget priority recommendation for the “88th Legislature provide the funds necessary to increase the rates paid to maintain safe and comfortable homes for some of our most vulnerable Texans”
- People with disabilities may rely on direct care workers to assist with daily tasks in order to retain more independence and experience
an improved quality of life in community settings. The work required is demanding, and the State should adjust the current rates in order to attract and retain quality caregivers, so that all Texans have the care that they need to remain healthy and independent.
How Can I Get Involved?
Contact you legislator. Unsure who your elected
official might be? Find out here.
Contact a legislative staff member:
Unsure of what to say?
Example of Message Script:
Dear Senator Doe or Representative Doe,
I am your
constituent and a member of The Arc of Texas. Community attendants are a vital part of my life. They do very demanding tasks such as assisting me in going to the bathroom, showering, dressing me, taking care of my personal hygiene, and assist me in contributing to society. I am writing this letter to lend my support for The Arc’s initiative to increase the wages for community attendants. The current average is a mere $8.11 per hour. Fast food establishments and grocery stores pay more per hour.
They are invaluable to the disability community and should receive more compensation for their work. I believe that The Arc’s proposition to increase the base wages to $17/hour would give community attendants a fair wage to live on.
People with disabilities can rely on direct care workers to assist in a variety of ways. The assistance provided by these workers allows people with disabilities, to live in the most integrated setting. Furthermore, direct care workers assist people with disabilities in retaining their independence. These services are invaluable to people with disabilities. It is more cost effective to fund community-based services than care in an
institutions. We should improve our state’s care infrastructure by ensuring people have what they need to live in the community with their families and friends. The Texas Legislature should increase the wage of community attendants to $17 per hour at least.
Sincerely,
[Your name
Your address
Your email
Your phone number]
