Statement by the New Jersey Coalition for a DSP Living Wage Applauding Governor Murphy’s for raising wages of Certified Nursing Assistants and asking that he make similar investment in the wages of Direct Support Professionals that also serve New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents.

The New Jersey Coalition for a DSP Living Wage applauds Governor Murphy’s announcement last week to invest $130 million in funding to Long-Term Care Facilities amid the COVID-19 crisis, especially the well-deserved 20% wage increase for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who provide hands-on care to our state’s predominantly elderly population. The state, however, cannot neglect to make a similar investment in the direct support workforce that also serves our state’s most vulnerable residents—individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Direct Support Professionals (DSP) provide life-sustaining, life-fulfilling supports to individuals with I/DD. They provide many of the same services as CNAs, but in many ways, their responsibilities are far greater to fully integrate those with I/DD into the community. DSP’s must complete extensive training and continuing education to attain the knowledge needed to support the diverse physical and intellectual needs of individuals with I/DD. They implement complex behavioral health plans, oversee, and administer essential medical care, comply with regulations and reporting requirements, and serve as advocates, companions, mentors and caregivers. No question, they are equally deserving of a raise, especially now.

COVID-19 has magnified the need for DSPs more than ever and how this underpaid, essential group of workers deserve the appropriate protection and compensation to perform their high-risk, demanding work. The temporary $3 p/h increase for certain DSPs early in the pandemic was helpful, but it only applied to certain DSPs and has since ended even though the risks associated with working in group homes still exist.

Prior to COVID-19, Governor Murphy allocated $42 million for increased DSP wages. FY2021 must include this funding. As New Jersey focuses on ensuring the highest quality of care with the best possible staff, this effort should not be limited to one population.  Those with IDD deserve nothing less than those within LTC facilities.

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About the Coalition for a DSP Living Wage:

The Coalition is comprised of families, community provider agencies, advocacy organizations, Direct Support Professionals and, most importantly, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). These members share a common belief that individuals with I/DD deserve to live rich and meaningful lives as fully integrated members of our communities. Toward that end, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), who play a critical role in meeting this objective, must be paid a living wage. For more information, visit njdspcoalotion.org