Below is a message from the Coalition for a DSP Living Wage:

Take Action on Twitter, Support a DSP Wage Increase!

Dear Coalition for a DSP Living Wage: New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Carole Johnson will testify this morning before the Assembly Budget Committee and we need your voice to support increased wages for Direct Support Professionals. We are asking ALL Coalition members—whether in Trenton or not—to ‘Take Action with Twitter’ and help take our message viral about the need for a DSP living wage in New Jersey, starting with a $1.25 per hour increase in FY2019.

Here's How You Can Take Action Copy and send the Tweet below from your Twitter account. This is a quick and easy way of connecting with policymakers and their staff on this issue, while also raising awareness about the need for a DSP Living Wage in New Jersey online. We are targeting the Speaker of the Assembly, the Assembly Republican Leader and the Department of Human Services. DSPs are foundation of community-based, disability-service system in NJ. They are essential workers who deserve to earn a #LivingWage NJ must #PayFair4DirectCare starting with raising DSP wages a $1.25 p/h in FY2019. @SpeakerCoughlin @JonBramnick @NJDHS

Don’t Have a Twitter Account? ‘Take Action with a Call’ If you don’t have a Twitter account, you can still ‘Take Action’ by making a quick call to the Senate and Assembly Budget Chairs and letting them know you support a $1.25 per hour increase for all DSPs assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the FY2019 Budget. That’s all you have to say! Contact Information: Assembly Budget Chair Eliana Pintor Marin: 973-589-0713 Senate Budget Chair Paul Sarlo: 201-804-8118

Join Us in Trenton on May 22! Commissioner Johnson is scheduled to testify before the Senate Budget Committee on May 22, so don't forget to mark your calendar! A strong showing at the State House illustrates the importance of this issue to the Commissioner, legislators and decision-makers!  Tuesday, May 22 at 2 pm Senate Budget Committee, Room 4 in the State House Annex 125 West State Street, Trenton

Direct Support Professionals in NJ Deserve a Living Wage Video

The Coalition for a DSP Living Wage recently completed a video that highlights the important relationship between a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their DSP. Watch it above and make sure to share it on social media!

Join the Conversation on Twitter!

The Coalition for a DSP Living Wage is constantly sending out updates with all the latest news and info via our Twitter page . If you don't already, please be sure to follow our page. Doing so will help spread our #PayFair4DirectCare message.

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