While Tomlinson said he could make no guarantees that the group's goal would be reached, he did promise to try. Plewes could not attend Friday's meeting because, as she explained in her letter, she was required by law to have four professional staffers and a baby-sitter in her home in order to leave her three children. With the shortage of qualified workers, it was not possible, she wrote. Many others, whose comments also were read in their absence, are in similar situations, said Vicki Sayles, a representative of the advocacy group. A livable wage is what we are asking for.
Some staff have to work overtime or a second job to pay their bills and support their families.
Hennessy said the lack of competitive salaries, paired with at times tough working conditions, had left many direct-care positions vacant. The only way to solve the problem and provide adequate care, Hennessy said, is to give programs more money. Inc. All rights reserved. Where the region turns for local sports.