Maine Association for Community Service Providers (MACSP) ACTION ALERT
Below is a a forwarded ACTION ALERT from the Maine Association for Community Service Providers (MACSP) regarding a LD 967 Hall of Flags Rally on Wednesday, May 5th.
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services has been following LD 967, which is currently sitting on the Special Appropriations Table in the Legislature pending funding for enactment. This bill would address the second year of funding for Direct Support Professional (DSP) rate increases, which was not included in the biennial budget during the last year’s legislative session. If this bill is not enacted the rate increases currently in effect will end on 6/30/2018, and revert back to the previous, lower rates. The Coalition has featured presentations and discussions on this topic over the past two years (click here for the November 2016 minutes which features a presentation on the DSP shortage), which revealed that wages paid to DSPs have greatly affected staff hiring, retention, and turnover, as DSPs can find comparable compensation working entry level retail positions. Due to the high turnover and vacancy rates, agencies have been unable to adequately provide services for people in need.
Please see the forwarded ACTION ALERT below.
Thank you for raising your voice, telling your story, and taking action.
Forwarded MACSP ACTION ALERT:
From MACSP Executive Director Lydia Dawson:
Hi all,
This is it. This is our last shot at having LD 967 funded and protecting our State against devastating cuts to services for Maine people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. WE NEED EVERYONE.
LD 967 FUNDING RALLY ON WEDNESDAY (5/2)
WE NEED EVERYONE. THIS IS OUR LAST CHANCE TO SHOW THE IMPACT THIS WILL HAVE ON OUR STATE. LET’S MAKE IT BIG. RSVP NUMBERS TO ME.
EMAIL AND CALL AS MANY LEGISLATORS AS YOU CAN AND TELL THEM LD 967 MUST BE FUNDED:
Share this email with anyone who can help in these efforts! THE TIME IS NOW!
Lydia Dawson, Esq.
Executive Director
Maine Association for Community Service Providers
PO Box 149 | Hallowell, ME 04347
(207) 623-5005
www.meacsp.org
[email protected]
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services has been following LD 967, which is currently sitting on the Special Appropriations Table in the Legislature pending funding for enactment. This bill would address the second year of funding for Direct Support Professional (DSP) rate increases, which was not included in the biennial budget during the last year’s legislative session. If this bill is not enacted the rate increases currently in effect will end on 6/30/2018, and revert back to the previous, lower rates. The Coalition has featured presentations and discussions on this topic over the past two years (click here for the November 2016 minutes which features a presentation on the DSP shortage), which revealed that wages paid to DSPs have greatly affected staff hiring, retention, and turnover, as DSPs can find comparable compensation working entry level retail positions. Due to the high turnover and vacancy rates, agencies have been unable to adequately provide services for people in need.
Please see the forwarded ACTION ALERT below.
Thank you for raising your voice, telling your story, and taking action.
Forwarded MACSP ACTION ALERT:
From MACSP Executive Director Lydia Dawson:
Hi all,
This is it. This is our last shot at having LD 967 funded and protecting our State against devastating cuts to services for Maine people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. WE NEED EVERYONE.
LD 967 FUNDING RALLY ON WEDNESDAY (5/2)
- MEET AT 9:45 IN THE HALL OF FLAGS. We’ll meet at 9:45am and move up together to line the House and Senate hallways. Plan to be at the State House by 9:15/9:30 to get through security.
- WEAR ALL BLACK. Dress head to toe in black to show unity and the gravity of the situation.
- BRING A SIGN THAT SAYS ONE OF THE THREE FOLLOWING PHRASES. Again to show unity, ONLY use the below phrases:
- “You Promised – LD 967 To Support Mainers with IDD”
- “You Promised – LD 967 To Support Direct Care Workers”
- “You Promised – LD 967 To Support IDD Services”
WE NEED EVERYONE. THIS IS OUR LAST CHANCE TO SHOW THE IMPACT THIS WILL HAVE ON OUR STATE. LET’S MAKE IT BIG. RSVP NUMBERS TO ME.
EMAIL AND CALL AS MANY LEGISLATORS AS YOU CAN AND TELL THEM LD 967 MUST BE FUNDED:
- For House Representatives: http://legislature.maine.gov/house/townlist.htm
- For Senate: https://legislature.maine.gov/senate/find-your-state-senator/9392
- For the Senate Democratic Office: (207) 287-1515
- For the Senate Republican Office: (207) 287-1505
- For the House Democratic Office: (207) 287-1430
- For the House Republican Office: (207) 287-1440
Share this email with anyone who can help in these efforts! THE TIME IS NOW!
Lydia Dawson, Esq.
Executive Director
Maine Association for Community Service Providers
PO Box 149 | Hallowell, ME 04347
(207) 623-5005
www.meacsp.org
[email protected]