Pennsylvania has recently announced its budget for the 2025 fiscal year, with the I/DD community set to receive a substantial investment of $354.8 million in Federal and State funding for Home and Community-Based Services, a seven percent increase from the previous year. A significant portion of this, $280 million, is dedicated to raising wages for Direct Support Professionals, a clear recognition of their invaluable contribution and the result of years of advocacy from KenCrest. The state is also bolstering its support for Early Learning, with $26.2 million in additional funding to maintain current payment levels and an additional $15 million towards the state’s Pre-K Counts program, increasing rates from $10,000 to $ 10,500 per child for a full day. Furthermore, there will be an additional $2.7 million for the Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program.

Over the past few years, KenCrest, a key member of the Ability Network of Delaware (A.N.D.), has been instrumental in securing the $3.4 million needed to align DSP reimbursement with the new Delaware minimum wage of $15 an hour (effective January 2025). This achievement, along with a new rate study through DDDS for the fiscal year 2025, is a testament to the collaborative efforts and dedication of these organizations.

Additionally, H.R. 2941, the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professional Act, was sent to the House or Senate on July 10, 2024, for consideration. This bill creates a distinct classification for DSPs within the Office of Management & Budget (OMB) SOC Manual. The benefit of this bill is better policies to address workforce challenges, solve worker shortages within HCBS provider settings, and ensure DSPs receive the recognition and support they need to provide high-quality care.