Contact Legislators Now Asking Them to Vote In Favor of Increasing DSP Wages

We’ve had positive press coverage from one end of the state to the other supporting an increase in DSP wages. NOW let’s continue to garner the legislative support we need to pass our budget amendment (The budget amendment is attached). Get everyone involved in this lobbying effort – your staff, your board members, your families!!!

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee meets this coming Tuesday, March 29th — so it’s important to act now!!!

Here’s the message to deliver now and continuously over the next several days and week to members of the Senate and House Finance Committees (scroll down for email addresses and phone numbers)…

VOTE YES to support the amendment to the appropriations bill sponsored by Sen. Yager et al and Rep. White et al – The amendment is asking for $21 million recurring state funds to be matched with federal dollars and used solely to increase the salary of direct support professionals serving and caring for people with intellectual disabilities. There is a hiring crisis in Tennessee and with a 46% turnover rate statewide our community providers cannot compete with the wages being paid by Walmart and McDonalds. This increase in wages will help stabilize the workforce helping to ensure that people with disabilities continue receiving the quality services they need.

See a copy of the amendment with signatures of supporters here.

SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS