AUSTIN, TX – In case you missed it, last week, the Texas Senate Finance Committee heard testimonies from members of the Time To Care coalition, parents, advocates and other community leaders on the need to raise wages for community-based direct support professionals (DSPs) who serve individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). Texas Senators heard dozens of testimonies affirming that the current DSP wage reimbursement rate of $10.60 per hour has caused a severe workforce crisis impacting services for Texans with IDD in the communities where they live.

To watch highlights from the hearing, please click here or on the image below:

Those testifying expressed appreciation to Senate budget writers for recognizing that the community IDD service system is in crisis. However, they also made clear that the proposed hourly wage rate increase to $12.00 an hour will not stem the current workforce crisis that has caused hundreds of Home and Community-based Services (HCS) group homes and Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) to close and left those remaining with an average of one-third of their staff positions vacant.

“The backbone of our work is our direct support professionals. These compassionate individuals do more than provide care. They are mentors, friends and lifelines for those they serve.”

• Dona Kotzur, President & CEO, Arc of San Antonio

“A pay increase from the state is not merely a financial adjustment; it is a testament to the value that we bring to those that we serve.”

• LaWanda Williams, Direct Care Staff Home Manager, Evergreen Life Services

“IDD community-based services are in severe crisis. Hundreds of group homes have closed and many more will be closing if the system is not stabilized.”

• Larry Hill, CEO, Hill Resources

“The increasing cost of specialized care, workforce shortages and the financial strain on providers threaten the long-term viability of essential IDD services.”  

• Melissa Perkins, President, Breckenridge Village

“Right now, in our group homes, I have 30 percent of our shifts open. I pay $12 an hour and can’t hire at $12 an hour. We have a 62 percent turnover rate.”

• Denise Gasmire, CEO, Champion Services

“By making these targeted investments, we’re not just increasing reimbursement rates, we’re ensuring individuals with IDD receive the stable, high-quality care they deserve.”

• Sandy Batton, Executive Director, PACSTX

“As a mother, I value their work to the highest degree, and I know God does. Do you? Do you value the lives that they protect? If we believe that life has value from the womb to the tomb, we have to prove it with our actions.”

• Laney Wootten, Parent to child with severe autism

To read more about how the Texas Legislature can stem this crisis and restore stability to community IDD services in Texas, click here.

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/

###