46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

EXPRESSING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATURE'S RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION OF DIRECT CARE STAFF WHO PROVIDE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES.

WHEREAS, persons of any age with developmental disabilities have substantial functional limitations related to mental or physical impairment, including brain trauma; and

WHEREAS, these persons require specialized, lifelong individualized services and support; and

WHEREAS, these services are provided in homes and community settings by dedicated, caring individuals, including privately employed direct care staff; and

WHEREAS, the direct care staff who provide these services are devoted, concerned and hard-working individuals; and

WHEREAS, the direct care staff generally assist their developmentally disabled clients to enjoy family, community and social lives to the maximum extent possible; and

WHEREAS, this staff is drawn from a labor market that competes with other entry-level jobs that are less physically and emotionally demanding; and

WHEREAS, the salaries for these caregiving individuals is generally very low, resulting in frequent turnover and vacancy problems in provider agencies;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislature express recognition and appreciation for New Mexico's large cadre of dedicated direct care staff who provide developmental disability community-based services; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this memorial be transmitted to developmental disability community-based care providers and the interim legislative health and human services committee.