In a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara is urging the Governor to prioritize addressing the persistent challenges facing the Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce in her upcoming 2025 Executive Budget. As the newly appointed Chair of the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on People with Disabilities, Santabarbara is calling for strategic investments aimed at stabilizing and strengthening the DSP workforce, which has been plagued by ongoing shortages, high turnover, and low wages.

For years, DSPs have been essential to the care and support of individuals with disabilities across the state. However, workforce challenges continue to destabilize this critical system, leaving thousands of individuals and families without consistent care. While past efforts, such as cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and federal rescue funds, have provided temporary relief, they have not fully addressed the underlying issues of wage disparity and workforce instability.

Santabarbara has put forward a series of proposals designed to address these issues, which include:

• DSP Wage Enhancement Act: This proposal calls for raising DSP wages to $20/hour, indexed to inflation, ensuring that wages remain competitive and commensurate with the demanding nature of the job. This initiative aims to address wage stagnation and prevent workforce turnover by providing a sustainable wage increase for DSPs.
• Credentialing and Education Pathways Initiative: This initiative seeks to invest $50 million over five years to create career pathways for DSPs, providing opportunities for professional growth and certification. Building on the Direct Support Professional (DSP) Microcredential Program, this proposal aims to address retention and create a professional pathway within the field.
• Service Provider Support Fund: Santabarbara has also called for a recurring $30 million annually to support service provider agencies in workforce development, training, and retention. This funding will help stabilize agencies, ensuring they can maintain high-quality care for individuals with disabilities while addressing workforce challenges in the long term.

“As the father of a son with autism, I’ve seen firsthand the critical role DSPs play in fostering independence and helping individuals with disabilities achieve their fullest potential,” said Santabarbara. “However, the ongoing instability in this workforce—driven by low wages and lack of professional development opportunities—has a direct impact on families like mine. These proposals are designed to stabilize the workforce, provide long-term career growth for DSPs, and ensure that every individual with a disability in New York State receives the care and support they deserve.”

Santabarbara’s proposals aim to create a more sustainable and professional DSP workforce, addressing both immediate and long-term needs. These measures will not only help attract and retain skilled DSPs but will also professionalize the field, ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive high-quality, consistent care.

“I urge Governor Hochul to include these critical investments in her Executive Budget to create a stronger, more inclusive New York for all,” added Santabarbara. “By prioritizing DSP workforce stability, we can ensure that every New Yorker with a disability has access to the care and opportunities they deserve.”