Assemblyman Brian Miller (R,I,C,Ref-New Hartford) rallied with direct-care workers from across the state today outside the governor’s Executive Chamber at the state Capitol. The group is calling for the 2019-20 State Budget to include a wage increase for direct-care workers.

“Direct-care workers have one of the toughest jobs out there serving some of the state’s most vulnerable individuals. They deserve a livable wage, and certainly one above that of fast-food workers. I am here to call on the governor and the legislature to make sure this year’s budget includes that wage increase,” said Miller, who also championed the issue during his first term.

Miller said that the wage increase would not only be fair and overdue but would help encourage more people to pursue direct care as a career – or stay in the field. According to a report by the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute (PHI), home-care aides or direct-care workers account for New York’s third largest employment sector behind retail and teaching. With a rapidly aging population, the need for direct-care workers is expected to grow exponentially in the next decade; however, the physical and mental demands of the job combined with the low salary have resulted in difficulties attracting or keeping workers in the field.