Leonila Vega
The end of 2009 has brought us close to the end of the long legislative battle over health care reform. Looking ahead, we expect job creation to be at the top of Congress’ list of priorities in 2010.
That’s why the DCA is working with a coalition of more than 50 national groups and nearly 100 local and state organizations called Jobs for America Now.
Part of the coalition’s five-point plan for getting America back to work is to “directly create jobs that put people to work helping communities’ meet pressing needs,” and few needs are more pressing than the growing demand for high-quality long-term care services.
Between 2008 and 2018, home health aide jobs are expected to grow by 50 percent and personal and home care jobs by 46 percent. That makes those two job categories the third- and fourth-fastest growing in the U.S. But will we be able to find people to fill those jobs?
Not unless we improve working conditions for direct care workers. And that means paying a living wage, making sure workers get health care and other basic benefits, and providing adequate training and career advancement opportunities.
In partnership with Jobs for America Now and with the help of its constituents and allies, the DCA will work to keep direct care jobs at the top of our nation’s legislative agenda in the coming year.
Leonila Vega, Esq.
Executive Director
Direct Care Alliance
