Last year’s budget delivered a historic funding boost for ID/A services, reflecting Governor Shapiro’s deep commitment to this essential community. However, the final enacted budget fell $93 million short of the Governor’s proposed funding—a shortfall that continues to impact ID/A resources today. Now, the six ID/A state associations are hopeful that Governor Shapiro will take decisive action to close this funding gap by restoring the full level recommended through an actuarial study conducted in alignment with Pennsylvania’s official Rules and Regulations. This would fulfill the commitment made in last year’s budget and provide the critical support needed for the ID/A community.
Shapiro has passionately highlighted the challenges faced by elderly parents in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s, who are forced to serve as direct support professionals (DSPs) for their adult children due to workforce shortages.
“Imagine if this was your reality,” Shapiro told lawmakers last session, “if you couldn’t find the services they need… because the state refuses to raise our rate.”…