Credit: Getty Images.

Everyone is feeling the pinch as costs of living increase. If you own a home or a car, if you have a family, or even if you live alone, you too feel the effects of increased gas prices, insurance rates, groceries and utilities.

Now imagine operating a home that houses people experiencing mental health challenges — this is their home. But you have to pay for everything. And pay the staff to run it.

I represent more than 100 members who provide housing and care for over 40,000 vulnerable individuals living with mental illness in New York. Historically, we’ve experienced decades of significant underfunding. In recent years, the state has shown us some support, but it hasn’t been enough to let us catch up as inflation continues to rise. And this year, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed 1.5% cost of living adjustment and the Legislature’s proposed 3.2% targeted COLA put us at risk of falling further behind.

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

When the COLA was created, it was intended to cover the rising costs of living — all the things providers pay — and to include both wages and operations. The Legislature’s 3.2% proposal covers only salaries and omits funds to help with the rising costs of operating mental health housing. And the governor’s 1.5% proposal isn’t nearly enough for either.

We can’t survive only on funding allocated to our staff’s salaries; if we don’t cover operating costs, we won’t be able to keep our providers’ doors open, let alone pay for rising employee health insurance.

We need the Legislature and the governor to include a 3.2% across-the-board COLA in the state budget to both absorb rising costs and pay a living wage to our workforce.

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

Our members’ staff are truly the backbone of what we do. Their work is essential, and they deserve a living wage. But we can’t pay them more and cover mandatory costs of operating. Our state contract rates include both, and the COLA must address both.

Sebrina Barrett is executive director of the Association for Community Living.

QOSHE - Commentary: Proposed cost-of-living adjustments don't go nearly far enough - Sebrina Barrett
menu_open
Columnists Actual . Favourites . Archive
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close
Aa Aa Aa
- A +

Commentary: Proposed cost-of-living adjustments don't go nearly far enough

22 4
11.04.2024

Credit: Getty Images.

Everyone is feeling the pinch as costs of living increase. If you own a home or a car, if you have a family, or even if you live alone, you too feel the effects of increased gas prices, insurance rates, groceries and utilities.

Now imagine operating a home that houses people experiencing mental health challenges — this is their home. But you have to pay for everything. And pay the staff to run it.

I represent more than 100 members who provide housing and care for over 40,000 vulnerable individuals........

© Times Union


Get it on Google Play