The Direct Care News 
For direct care workers and their allies June 12, 2012
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New Mexico Direct Care Workers Hone Leadership, Advocacy Skills
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 | | New Mexico Voices Institute attendees with Rep. Varela (in sunglasses). |
"I left with a feeling of accomplishment and hope, knowing the workers in attendance had committed to the cause," said Direct Care Alliance National Field Director Brenda Nachtway of the New Mexico Voices Institute. "As one attendee, Fermina Lopez, told us: 'Though I may not speak English well, I leave today knowing that, with the coalition and the DCA, I now have a voice. I will walk beside you in this fight to make change.' "
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Direct from Washington, DC
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Bill opposing basic labor protections for home care workers introduced in Senate: On June 7, Sen. Mike Johanns (NE) introduced S. 3280, a bill to maintain the exemption of home care workers from minimum wage and overtime protections. This is the Senate version of H.R. 3066, which was introduced last fall. Please contact your representatives today! Tell them why S. 3280 and H.R. 3066 are bad for our long-term care system and urge them to help improve the quality of life for millions of direct care workers, seniors, and people with disabilities by cosponsoring the Direct Care Job Quality Improvement Act.
Affordable Care Act remains under review by U.S. Supreme Court: The U.S. Supreme Court has not yet announced its decision on whether to repeal part or all of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA offers a significant opportunity for uninsured direct care workers to access
more affordable coverage. The Supreme Court's decision on the ACA is expected soon. Read more about possible outcomes for the Act.
Paycheck Fairness Act does not advance in Senate: On June 5, 2012, the Senate failed to pass S. 3220, the Paycheck Fairness Act, which sought to help women achieve fair pay. Currently, women working full-time are paid 77 cents for every dollar men are paid. The disparity is greater for African American and Latina women, who are paid 62 cents and 54 cents, respectively, for every dollar white men are paid. This is of particular interest to the direct care workforce, which is 88% female, 31% African American, and 15% Hispanic.
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| How to Ensure Insurance Coverage for More Direct Care Workers |
 | | Cindy Gruman |
A growing number of studies indicate that health coverage plays a powerful role in the recruitment and retention of direct service workers, with many workers leaving their jobs or careers due to a lack of affordable insurance. With that in mind, the Minnesota state legislature ordered a study in 2008 to determine how best to implement a rate increase aimed at allowing long-term care employers to purchase employee health insurance in the private market.
My colleagues and I at the Lewin Group and our partners at PHI conducted that study. The recommendations we developed after doing our research apply to any state that wants to improve the stability of its long-term care workforce. Read more from Cindy Gruman, PhD.
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