More hours, interim pay hike approved for state's PCAs

November 2020
By Access Press Staff

The Minnesota Legislature's October special session addressed the crisis in the personal care attendant (PCA) program, offering a lifeline to direct care for people with disabilities. The bonding bill signed by Governor Tim Walz includes crucial funding for the PCA program.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing problems, including staff shortages due to low pay, placing many individuals with disabilities at risk. The signed bill introduces an emergency 8.4 percent rate increase for PCAs, Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS), and the Consumer Support Grant (CSG) until February 7, 2021. It also allows parents, stepparents, and legal guardians to provide PCA services until the same date.

Additionally, there is a permanent increase in the monthly hourly cap from 275 to 310 hours. The supplemental budget bill, merged with the bonding bill, allocates additional funds, including $31.37 million in general fund spending for fiscal year 2021. The SEIU Healthcare Workers union emphasizes the need for a wage increase for workers in upcoming contract talks.

Members recently met with Governor Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan to discuss challenges faced by caregivers and individuals needing care, stressing the importance of investing in PCA pay for the well-being of people's lives. Contract talks face uncertainties due to the state's looming deficit, with projections indicating a $2.4 billion budget hole in the current biennium and a $4.7 billion gap in the subsequent two years.

More hours, interim pay hike approved for state's PCAs | Access Press