Almost two million direct care workers could see their minimum pay raised to $15 an hour if Congress passes H.R. 602, better known as the Raise the Wage Act, according to analysis from the Economic Policy Institute.
The legislation would increase the federal minimum wage from its current level of $7.25 per hour to $15 in 2025. More than a third of those working in residential care (assisted living) or skilled nursing facilities — nursing assistants, home health aides and personal care aides — would benefit because of historically low wages. Most of these workers are women and people of color, according to EPI.
In nine states, according to the authors, more than five out of every six direct care workers in long-term care would have higher take-home pay if the act passes. In 23 states, 75% or more of the direct care workers would have higher pay if the minimum wage is raised to $15 an hour, they said.
Some states already have been proactive in raising their minimum wages. In Colorado, for example, direct care workers working in home- and community-based settings that are funded with any state dollars will earn a minimum wage of $15 per hour starting next year. The state Joint Budget Committee last week approved the raise, which is scheduled to go into effect Jan. 1, by a vote of 5-1, according to a Sept. 27 press release from Gov. Jared Polis (D).
The wage increase will benefit workers who “provide the vast majority of hands-on care to older adults and individuals with disabilities within our state, including personal care workers, homemakers, direct support professionals, and others,” the press release said.
Lawmakers at all levels of government should pass policies that encourage stronger wages, benefits and protections for direct caregivers, EPI said. Potential actions, the authors said, include strengthening collective bargaining rights and following the lead of the 10 states and two major cities that have passed Domestic Workers Bills of Rights.
