ANCOR and Coalition Partners Urge House Leadership to Advance Direct Support Professionals Bill Before Year’s End

The push to pass H.R. 2941, the “Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act,” has intensified as ANCOR, joined by fellow advocates and organizations, including members of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD), press House leaders to prioritize the legislation. With strong bipartisan support, the bill has already passed the Senate unanimously (S. 1332) and cleared the House Education and Workforce Committee. 

In a newly released letter addressed to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), CCD emphasized the urgent need for action, citing the critical role Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) play in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The letter highlights that HCBS programs have expanded significantly over the past four decades but continue to face challenges due to the worsening DSP workforce crisis. 

The legislation calls for the establishment of a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), enabling better data collection on DSP employment and wages. This data is vital for policymakers to develop effective solutions to address workforce shortages and sustain critical HCBS programs. 

With just weeks left in the legislative session, advocates stress that now is the time to act. More than 2,000 messages have already been sent to Congress by constituents in the past week urging lawmakers to advance this critical legislation. Together, we can ensure the recognition and support DSPs deserve while strengthening the foundation of HCBS programs for years to come. 

Take Action Today