Jean Lewandowski | Support HB1484

I am testifying on my own behalf, but I have learned a great deal as a member of the DRC-NH Board of Directors, including the fact that our state has been losing our direct health care and rehabilitative services workforce for decades. A big part of the reason for this is that the lack of a reasonable state minimum wage, which drives workers out of state and discourages people from going into care as a career. The lack of qualified direct care workers has been very harmful to Granite Staters'. People with disabilities are being pushed into communal care when, with proper support, they would be able to live more independently and participate in the workforce and commerce. This is extremely costly to them, their families, and our communities. This bill would be an important building block in the creation of a system that makes sense for everyone.