The New Jersey Department of Human Services Budget Listening Session


The Department of Human Services is working on determining funding priorities for Fiscal Year 2018. That means now is the time to weigh in with Commissioner Connolly about the issues impacting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
 
The most critical advocacy issue this year is the impact of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce shortage. DSPs are the individuals that work and support your loved one every day. DSPs are critically important to a successful life in the community for people with I/DD. But our community is at a crisis point in the hiring and retention of DSP's. We must work together to get higher wages for our DSP's, and the first step is for the Commissioner to hear from as many people as possible on this critical issue. Please take a few minutes to join us in advocating for additional funds for higher wages for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).

Below you will find talking points that you can refer to when writing to the Commissioner. These talking points are meant as a guide and we strongly encourage you to personalize your correspondence. The unique details about you and your loved one with I/DD is what makes your message strong.

Thank you for participating in our advocacy efforts. Your voices are crucial to our success.
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 Talking Points:
  • Thank you Commissioner Connolly for the opportunity to provide input into the FY18 DHS budget.
     
  • Individuals with I/DD deserve to live rich and meaningful lives, as fully integrated members of our communities.
     
  • Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play a critical role in supporting people with I/DD to live meaningful lives in the community.
     
  • Low wages make the hiring and retention of qualified DSPs very difficult for agencies, as well as families and individuals.
     
  • We need to ensure a fully-staffed delivery system for people with I/DD in NJ. 
     
  • The only way to address this critical issue is by giving our DSPs a living wage. Please include funding in the DHS budget for FY18 to support a wage increase for all DSPs working with individuals with I/DD.
     
  • We support the work of the Coalition for a DSP Living Wage in their fight to increase wages for DSPs.
     
  • Add a personal story that highlights the importance of DSPs in your loved one's and family's life.
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Steps for Providing Input:
 
You can submit comments three ways:
  1. Go to The NJ Department of Human Services 2017 Budget Listening Session 
    Tuesday, November 22, 2016
    10 AM - 4 PM
    Department of Human Services Central Office, First Floor, Conference Room
    For more details Download Listening Session Flyer HERE or visit DDD's website HERE.
     
  2. If you cannot attend the listening session, please send in written comments to [email protected]    
     
  3. Written comments can be mailed to:
    DHS Budget Input
    222 South Warren Street
    PO Box 700
    Trenton, NJ 08625 

The deadline to submit comments is November 22, 2016.

Please share this important information with your personal and professional contacts. Every submitted letter and email is counted - You can make a difference! 
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For more information about the Coalition for a DSP Living Wage, click HERE.