The Direct Care News 
For direct care workers and their allies December 3, 2013
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Today is #GivingTuesday: Participate by Donating to DCA
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The holidays should be about giving back, not just giving presents. That's the idea behind GivingTuesday, which is December 3 this year -- today!
Donate to DCA today to help direct care workers advocate for the profession they love, so they can get the pay, benefits, training and working conditions they need and deserve. It's a great way to give something to direct care workers, who give so much to everyone else all year long.
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Home Care Worker Fights for the Right to Assist Clients
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 | | Trumeko Foxx |
On October 4, Nashville home care worker Trumeko Foxx and librarian Exie Mai Harrington, along with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and SEIU Local 205, filed a lawsuit against the state of Tennessee. The suit challenged emergency rules that placed harsh restrictions on anyone who takes part in or facilitates public education about the new health care marketplaces or insurance plans available under the Affordable Care Act. A judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the rules, which are now expected to be rewritten by early next year. Trumeko Foxx and Local 205 Political Director Freda Player talked to DCA's Elise Nakhnikian about why they fought for this victory and what it means to home care workers and their clients. How did Trumeko get involved?Trumeko: When Freda called me and let me know what was going on, I thought: Wow, I didn't know I could be penalized if I just assist my clients like I always have! Let's get together and fight this. Read more.
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Direct from Washington, D.C.
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Paid Family and Medical Leave Act Slated for Introduction: U.S. Senator Gillibrand (D-NY) and U.S. Representative DeLauro (D-CT) will hold a press conference on December 12 at 10:30am ET to announce the introduction of the Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act (the FAMILY Act). The bill
would make paid family and medical leave available to nearly all of America's workers. If you represent an organization, you can sign on to this letter by 5pm Eastern TODAY to show your Congresspeople that you support this legislation. Stay tuned for additional ways you can show support for this bill.
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Calling All Badgers: Join Us Thursday for an Informative Conference Call
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 | | Tracy Dudzinski |
If you live in Wisconsin, please join us this Thursday, December 5, from 2 to 3 p.m. CT, when DCA Board Chair Tracy Dudzinski will explain why home care co-ops are a promising solution to the growing need for home care services. In this Direct Care Alliance informational session, Tracy will explain what a co-op is, how it is governed and what the benefits are to caregivers and clients. She'll also answer your questions. Learn more and get the phone number and participant code for the conference call.
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Quick Links
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Direct from the Headlines
| Want to know how the new home care rule will affect worker rights, the home care industry and more? Join DCA Board Chair Tracy Dudzinski; Bruce Vladeck, the former head of Medicare and Medicaid; and other experts for a webinar cohosted by NELP, DCA and PHI tomorrow, December 3, from 2 to 3:30pm ET. Register here to participate.
DCA board member Erin Hayes and her husband tell Maine's WGME TV why direct care workers need better pay and training.
Nursing homes are the most dangerous workplaces in America.
Home care agency CEO Karen Kulp on her testimony at the November 20 House hearing on the new home care rule.
Home care work, the fastest-growing job in America, puts workers "at poverty's edge," says Bloomberg News.
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