When a Michigan resident experiences a mental illness or developmental disability, they should be able to hire the help they need to ensure their safety and well-being. But right now, they can’t. In today’s tight labor market, it isn’t easy to find a Direct Care Worker, whether looking for care for yourself, or a loved one, or hiring an employee for your agency. This leaves our state’s most vulnerable residents at risk.
The House budget recommendations are a solid beginning and can help us begin to get the job done. We strongly back the House proposed $2.50/hour increase for Michigan’s 50,000 Direct Care Workers in the behavioral health system in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, and look forward to continuing to bring our DCWs the compensation they need and deserve.