The 5% Campaign has four main points it is emphasizing to the public, in the quest for adequate compensation for people providing supports and services to aging adults and individuals’ with disability.

The points are the economy of employing people, the quality of life and future for Minnesotans, the direct support professionals (DSP) or caregivers themselves, and the individuals and the families.

 

Economy

• DSPs/Caregivers and their employers are significant economic engines in Greater Minnesota.

• Investments in community based services will result in job growth throughout Minnesota.

• Community based services, as opposed to institutional care, result in long-term cost savings for the state. Further investments in reform and innovation will spark even greater cost savings for Minnesota.

• Supporting people to stay in the community allows individuals to be more independent, hold jobs, purchase goods, and pay taxes.

 

Quality/Future

• Low wages lead to higher staff turnover, creating more stress, less stability and lower quality care.

• Stagnant funding limits providers’ ability to explore new and innovative ways to support individuals.

• The growing number of people with disabilities and older Minnesotans fuels the demand for quality direct care professionals.

 

DSP/Caregivers

• Despite performing such valuable, demanding and crucial work, the average DSP/Caregiver wage is still near the Federal poverty line. DSPs/Caregivers receive poverty pay for professional work.

• DSPs/Caregivers are the backbone of the field; retaining consistent, trusted staff is crucial to quality care.

• DSPs/Caregivers are supporting your family; shouldn’t they be able to support their own?

• DSPs/Caregivers perform many roles: counselor, medical and mental health personnel, advocate, translator, chauffer, and many more.

 

Individuals and Families

• Community-based services that support people with disabilities to develop strong job skills and gain professional experience provide greater opportunity to gain employment.

• Community-based services provide people with disabilities and older adults greater opportunity to be more independent in the community and build strong relationships.

• Individuals and families want and need choice in community-based services to design the life they choose in their community.