State direct care workers pay increased temporarily due to covid

LANSING, Mich. – State caregivers of seniors and people with disabilities saw an increase in pay due to the pandemic, but will that increase remain permanent?

The original $2.00 pay increase helped recognize the essential and often dangerous tasks performed by direct care workers.

State lawmakers are currently questioning if this temporary boost should become permanent.

One northern Michigan organization said a raise for direct care workers has been needed for sometime.

“It’s to create that level in pay that will allow it to attract people into that work,” said Jim Moore Executive Director of the Disability Network of Northern Michigan. “It should be an easy decision because this is something that’s economically sound so it should be a win–win.”

The initial pay increase expired February 28th, but was quickly renewed and increased by an additional 25 cents. That extension expires September 30th.