FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 10, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

Urging Texas Legislature to Increase Pay for Community-based Direct Support Professionals

AUSTIN, TX – Time To Care: Save Texas Caregivers Now is proud to announce that El Paso-based Gozo’s Ice Cream has joined the coalition, further strengthening the statewide movement urging the Texas Legislature to support community-based services for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

For decades, direct support professionals (DSPs) who serve Texans with IDD have been chronically underfunded, with an hourly reimbursement 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 to make ends meet. As a result, community-based service providers are facing unsustainable staff vacancy rates and closures, undermining their ability to provide quality care for the most vulnerable Texans.

“At Gozo’s Ice Cream, we believe that fair wages are the foundation of dignity and respect for every worker, especially for those who support adults with disabilities,” said Adam Tirres, manager for Gozo’s Ice Cream and Program Officer for the El Paso Community Foundation. “By valuing the hard work of our employees and direct support workers, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive, grow, and contribute meaningfully to our community.”

Since March 2024, the coalition has urged state leaders to authorize an emergency appropriations request through the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) to raise the wages for community-based DSPs to stem the worsening workforce crisis that has led to unprecedented staff vacancy rates and regrettable closures of group homes across the state. While emergency funding can help address the immediate workforce crisis facing DSPs, there is more work to be done to ensure Texans with IDD are not left behind.

Coalition spokesperson Sandy Batton expressed profound gratitude for Gozo’s Ice Cream partnership, stating: “Like Gozo’s Ice Cream, our coalition is dedicated to ensuring that our fellow Texans are not left behind, and we are proud to welcome a company that has shown outstanding initiative in creating opportunities for Texans with IDD. Together, we are united in urging state leaders to deliver long-overdue support for those who serve the IDD community.”

Gozo’s Ice Cream is an El Paso ice cream shop serving homemade flavors and endless joy. Gozo’s stores are run by hardworking employees who have an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD), giving them an opportunity to shine and practice life skills. Gozo’s invites you to support their community, help everyone taste the love, and get a scoop (or two). To learn more, visit https://www.gozos.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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