Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C,I,Ref-Schoharie) is rallying support for direct-care workers ahead of Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, which takes place from September 8 to September 14. Tague hopes to bring awareness and assistance to direct-care workers who have been underpaid and the programs that fund them, which has been woefully neglected. Year after year, caregivers come to Albany and rally for living wages and the same type of assistance and attention the governor has provided fast-food workers.

“This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart,” Tague said. “My wife is a direct-care worker and seeing her tirelessly struggle to help others and give back to our community is ignored and oftentimes made more difficult by a lack of assistance, and it is incredibly frustrating. Rural districts like mine require this funding to function and allow disabled and elderly folks to stay in their homes and with their families instead of being miles away from anyone they know. The workers are some of the most giving and loving people in the world and they deserve our support. Taking care of the elderly and disabled is one of the most fulfilling around and I call on the governor and every legislator in New York state to give them the assistance and attention they truly deserve.”