Disability Summit: Caregiver Workforce Crisis

Policy Committee    September 14, 2023

Philadelphia, Sept. 14 – During an annual Disability Summit held by Rep. Joe Hohenstein, the House Majoirty Policy Committee convened a hearing and gathered testimony from nearly a dozen people, including those who require support from caregivers, caregivers themselves and advocates who work to highlight the needs of both. Many detailed the ongoing crisis within the caregiver workforce, testifying that these direct support professionals aren’t being paid a living wage and aren’t offered quality benefits. 

• Hosts: Rep. Joe Hohenstein (D-Philadelphia)
• Testifiers:
  • Michael Anderson- Legislative Advocate, Arc of Pennsylvania
  • Nakisha Steed- Life Skills Associate, Elwyn
  • Jessica Ruiz- Advocate, Entrepreneur
  • Robert Rodriguez- Partner/Caregiver for Ms. Ruiz
  • Shelly Harris- Caregiver
  • Latoya Maddox- Senior Independent Living Specialist, Liberty Resources, Inc.
  • Ronica Adams- Direct Care Worker
  • David Janick- Consolidated Waiver Recipient
  • Lisa Scanlon- RN, Mother/Caregiver for Mr. Janick

Agenda + Testimony

• Hearing agenda and testimony: Disability Summit: Caregiver Workforce Crisis

Media Release + News Coverage

• Caregiver workforce crisis discussed in latest House Majority Policy hearing, September 14, 2023

Photos + Video

• Click here to view the entire hearing
• Click here to view photos from this hearing