Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,I-Lockport) stood with Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I,Ref-Canandaigua) and Chairman of the Assembly Minority Task Force on Protecting the Rights of People with Developmental Disabilities Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch (R-Bainbridge) at a press conference today discussing a number of issues important to the disabled community in New York State. Among the issues was an increase in state aid to allow for a more livable wage for direct care workers of those with developmental disabilities.

“Last year the state enacted a $15 minimum wage. However, direct care workers were excluded from this as most of their pay comes through Medicaid reimbursements. The dedication of direct care workers needs to be rewarded by closing this loophole and allowing for their salaries to be comparable with other industries,” said Norris. “Thank you to everyone who chooses to work as a direct care worker, in nursing or any other industry that helps provide the necessary care and quality of life to those who otherwise cannot take care of themselves.”

Norris said he hopes there will be an increase in funding through this year’s state budget, but more should be done overall to protect the rights of those with disabilities. That’s why he supports the recommendations from the Assembly Minority Conference’s task force, which includes measures like a bill of rights for persons with developmental disabilities and education credit incentive programs to help attract more students into the field of direct care.

EDITORS’ NOTE: Mike Norris represents the 144th Assembly District comprising of portions of Erie, Niagara and Orleans counties. To learn more about Norris, please visit his Assembly Website or find him on Facebook.