Make Your Voice Heard! 

In the Fiscal Year 18 (FY18) Budget, The Arc of New Jersey, in partnership with the Coalition for a Direct Support Professional (DSP) Living Wage, is advocating for a $1.25 an hour wage increase for the DSPs who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Budget Committees are wrapping up their public meetings and will now hear from members of the Administration regarding the FY18 Budget. This is the time to contact the Senate and Assembly Budget Chairs and weigh in with your support of the Coalition’s efforts!  It is critical for the chairmen to hear from as many people as possible about why we need to increase wages and how community services depend on a stable and fully-staffed workforce. 

How Can You Help?
  • Download the letter to Senator Sarlo by clicking here. Download the letter to Assemblyman Schaer by clicking here.
  • Print out the letters. 
  • We encourage you to add a personal sentiment at the bottom to better explain your experiences with DSPs and the critical role they play in your life or the life of your loved one.
  • Be sure to print and sign your name at the bottom of the card and add your home address.
  • Also, if possible, include a photo of your loved one who depends on the help of a DSP.
  • Next, mail each card to the following addresses. 

  • Senator Sarlo                                       Assemblyman Schaer
    496 Columbia Blvd.                               1 Howe Avenue
    1st Floor                                                 Suite 401 
    Wood-Ridge, NJ 07075                          Passaic NJ 07055
When Should You Send the Letters?

Right now! Make sure to get these letters out to the Budget Chairmen as soon as possible. Also, feel free to forward this action alert to other friends or families who may want to support our cause. 

Where Can I Learn More About the Coalition?
Please visit the Coalition for a DSP Living Wage website: www.njdspcoalition.org.

What does our website offer?
  • Information about the Coalition and the role of a Direct Support Professional in the lives of people with I/DD

  • News and updates about our ongoing work and the steps we're taking to promote our cause

  • Ways for you to get involved and help us advocate 
In addition, you can now find us on Facebook and  Twitter!
Download This Action Alert HERE.
The Coalition for a DSP Living Wage Steering Committee Members

The Arc of New Jersey
The Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities
The New Jersey Association of Community Providers
Autism New Jersey
New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities
The Family Support Coalition of New Jersey
New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network
The Statewide Regional Family Support Planning Councils
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