Update - Direct Care Workforce Funding Initiative

WALA continues to advocate on your behalf to help address the caregiver workforce crisis and to modernize the Family Care program.

WALA is very pleased to report the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) voted Tuesday evening to continue and provide increased funding into the Direct Care Workforce Funding Initiative. Specifically, about $104m total (GPR and federal matching) over the 2021-23 biennium. As you know, this would allow you to continue providing wage increases, bonuses, and other financial incentives for your caregivers.

While this is excellent news and a huge step forward, we are not across the finish line yet. The state budget as proposed by the JFC needs to be approved by the assembly, senate, and Governor Evers.