Maher said that Pennsylvania is facing a critical need for qualified direct care workers to provide quality services and support in the community.   

Providers across the state have reported increasing difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified staff.  The most cited reason for this problem is low wages paid to direct care staff. 

Maher said, “Those people accessing community mental health services need increasing support services to remain in their homes and become active and productive members of the community. 

“To accomplish this we must make sure that there are an adequate number of direct care workers providing the services and support families and individuals need,” Maher said. 

“In recent years, it was estimated that approximately 22,000 to 28,000 people were on waiting lists for mental retardation services in Pennsylvania,” said Maher.  “Increased compensation will allow for better retention and attraction of the staff needed to address the needs of those already receiving care, as well as those on a waiting list.” 

Pennsylvania is slated to receive $11.3 billion over the next 25 years through the national tobacco settlement.  It is estimated that the Commonwealth will receive $635 million in funding in 2001-02 and $535 million in 2002-03. 

A spending plan for the tobacco settlement funds, including Maher’s amendment, was passed today by the House and awaits concurrence by the Senate.