Mass Senior Care is calling on state lawmakers to support $238 million in new funding in FY2023, which is necessary to maintain current workforce wages that were increased using one-time government pandemic funding. This investment would also reduce the 7,400 direct care staff vacancies by filling a projected 1,850 empty direct care positions. During the pandemic, the Commonwealth and federal government provided critically necessary one-time funding to increase wages by at least 15% for deserving direct care staff. We need the $238 million dollars in order to make these wage increases permanent.
Take action now and join Mass Senior Care in advocating to expand and make permanent current workforce investments. Send an email to your local legislators urging them to support Mass Senior Care’s Nursing Facilities FY2023 Vital Workforce Investments Proposal.
In addition to the FY 2023 state budget, lawmakers are also working on a comprehensive nursing facility reform bill that is due to be released in May. The legislation is expected to include policies related to job quality standards, staffing ratios, licensure and suitability among other proposals. Mass Senior Care continues to actively work with lawmakers to advance public policy measures that fund and ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and their caregivers.