As reported by Spectrum News 1, advocates say with rising costs and “historic underfunding,” nonprofit organizations offering direct service professionals are struggling, as they call for an 8.5% cost of living adjustment for direct service professionals in the next state budget.
“I’m 76 and I can’t help her much anymore,” said Ellie Rufer, whose 40-year-old daughter requires assistance from a direct support professional. “They can’t go out. Life has changed. Even with the day programs, they can’t go where they used to go because there are staff shortages.”
