SACRAMENTO – All 19 Assembly Republicans have called on the Legislature’s Budget Committees to increase funding for providers who support Californians with developmental disabilities. The additional funding will provide an 8 percent increase in the payments made to these caregivers, improving their ability to retain skilled workers who struggle to afford rising costs in California.
“These folks caring for people with developmental disabilities are doing the Lord’s work, and it’s time for California to recognize that,” said Asm. Devon Mathis (R-Visalia), who coordinated the request. “In a state that prides itself on caring for the vulnerable, these caregivers and the people they serve should be at the very front of the line for additional funding.”
The budget request was made ahead of a rate study, to be released in March 2019, reporting on how to address chronic underfunding of services for Californians with developmental disabilities. While the study will recommend actions to ensure the long-term stability of these programs, this request will provide an immediate increase in funding to prevent a continued loss in caregivers while the rate study’s recommendations are implemented.
A copy of the letter to the Budget Committees is available here.
