Disability workers have come together to call on Governor Kathy Hochul to put more effort into the workforce as staff shortages continue.
Workers believe that by investing in the workforce, it could help increase the workforce, lower the high turnover rate, and help the lives of New York residents living with disabilities. The uncertainty isn’t only hard on workers, but also those with disabilities who depend on these workers.
While underfunding has been a problem for many years, the current state of the economy is making it much worse. While turnover rates are high, there are also a number of vacancies in the industry. According to Times Union, New York Disability Advocates estimates around 20,000 positions remain open. They believe higher wages for these workers is one way to solve the issue.
As the cost of living only continues to increase, workers are forced to find jobs where they can afford to pay for food, gas, and rent. Several facilities that care for disabled New Yorkers have been forced to close since the start of the pandemic.
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