Disability Community Calls on Governor to Address Crisis

Lincoln, NE – March 5th, 2024 - The chronic underfunding of Disability Services in Nebraska has reached a critical juncture, resulting in dangerously understaffed services and support for vulnerable individuals across the state.  The Arc of Nebraska and the Nebraska Association of Service Providers are holding a press conference about the current Developmental Disabilities (DD) provider rates in Nebraska and urging Governor Pillen to take action to address this critical issue.

They will hold a Press Conference on March 12th at Noon in the Capitol Rotunda on the vital lack of access to funds.

A recent economic study conducted by Ernie Goss, titled "Fueling Prosperity: The Positive Economic Ripple Effects of Increasing Wages for Nebraska’s Direct Care Workforce," highlights the significant positive impact that increased investment in disability services can have on individuals with disabilities and the broader economy.

The study reveals that for every dollar invested in Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Nebraska taxpayers see a positive rate of return of $1.14 in state dollars, which rises to $1.40 when factoring in the federal match. 

These findings underscore the immense potential of investing in disability services to not only enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities but also to stimulate economic growth and job creation statewide.  “Yet still DHHS prevents the funds from getting where they need to go.  The State Reimbursement Rate is only structured to cover a staffer's cost at approximately $15 an hour, but it’s almost impossible to hire and retain anyone for less than $18 an hour in today’s competitive labor market; especially for work that can be challenging at times.  Insufficient staffing results in an inability to provide services.  By not adjusting rates to support adequate staffing, DHHS is preventing millions of hours of life-changing services from reaching the homes and communities of people with disabilities.” said Alana Schriver, Executive Director of the Nebraska Association of Service Providers, “What’s scary is that the trend is just increasing due to the state's failure to act.”