FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 23, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

Urging Texas Legislature to Increase Pay for Direct Support Professionals

AUSTIN, TX – Time To Care: Save Texas Caregivers Now is proud to announce that Tyler-based Breckenridge Village has joined the coalition, further strengthening the statewide movement to advocate for living wages for direct support professionals (DSPs) who tirelessly care individuals with IDD.

DSPs have been chronically underfunded for decades, with an hourly rate set by the Texas Legislature of just $10.60. At a time when inflation is soaring and the cost of living continues to rise, the compassionate men and women who care for vulnerable Texans are struggling greatly themselves to make ends meet. As a result, DSPs are working unsustainable hours or leaving the profession altogether, further compromising quality of care for Texans with IDD and leaving many individuals without the vital support they need.

“Our caregivers play such a critical role in ensuring our residents and day program participants lead dignified and fulfilling lives. It is a travesty that they themselves face such immense challenges – sometimes having to rely on food banks or government subsidies to support their own families,” said Melissa Perkins, Executive Director of Breckenridge Village. “Raising the average salary for DSPs to $15 an hour would make a tremendous impact in the lives of our caregivers and the Texans they serve.”

The coalition is urging state leaders to authorize an emergency appropriations request through the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) to raise the salary for DSPs from $10.60 to $15 an hour. This will help address the immediate workforce crisis facing DSPs, ensuring that Texans with IDD can receive the support they need.

Coalition spokesperson Sandy Batton expressed profound gratitude for Breckenridge Village’s partnership, stating: “The addition of Breckenridge Village to our coalition is a strong demonstration of the strength that our growing community of support has cultivated around this critical issue for Texans with IDD and those who serve them. In partnering with organizations like Breckenridge Village, we are forging a path towards a better tomorrow, one where the people who care for Texans with IDD receive the support they deserve.”

Breckenridge Village is a caring residential community and day program (Individualized Skills and Socialization provider) for adults with intellectual disabilities. The campus – spread across several acres of picturesque East Texas – is entrusted by families to care for their loved ones with the same compassion and enthusiasm as they would. To learn more, visit https://breckenridgevillage.com/

Time To Care: Save Texas Caregivers Now is a coalition dedicated to securing competitive wages for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who provide essential care to Texans with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). Through collaboration and grassroots efforts, the coalition strives to enact meaningful change at both the legislative and community levels. Learn more about how to get involved at https://timetocaretx.org/

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