Caregivers rally for 5 percent rate hike

Описание: Hundreds rallied at the State Capitol Tuesday to demand more pay for workers who care for the elderly and people with disabilities. The so-called "5% Campaign" is made up of caregivers who say they deserve a five percent rate hike.

"My staff work hard, day in and day out; don't ask for anything; always put clients' needs first," said Nicole Weber, a supervisor with REM Hennepin, which offers services to people with disabilities. "Someone needs to stand up for them."

Weber said starting pay for a caregiver would be about $10.60 an hour. With low wages and the emotional and physical challenges of working with the elderly and disabled, turnover in this field is high. Still, many stick with the job for the sake of the clients, some opting to juggle two jobs to make ends meet.

"It's human nature to always want to find something else," said Sylvia Mayieka, who also works for REM Hennepin, "but you remember how far you've come with them and you've grown with them and that's really difficult to just walk away from."

Funding for home and community based services mainly comes from Medicaid or state medical assistance. For every dollar the state puts in, the federal government matches it. Supporters estimate the rate increase, that would take effect next year if approved, would cost the state about $86 million.

Legislators from both sides of the aisle showed up to Tuesday's rally to offer their support.

"I just feel that the people who support people with disabilities need to be treated like the professionals that they are," said Rep. Mike Freiberg, (DFL) Golden Valley.

"They've endured cut after cut in the last 10 years and I feel like the 5% increase is more than reasonable and it's something I'm proud to get behind."

A representative for ARRM, an association of disability providers from across the state, told 12 News about 47 legislators have already said they will sign on when the bill is drafted.

The legislative session begins in late February.

Renee Banot

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