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133 who serve one in 65 Minnesotans every year. This includes home and community-based services <br />134 (HCBS) that are innovative and person-centered for people with disabilities. <br />135 <br />136 Statewide, we support 700 individuals with disabilities in homes in the community. In Roseville, we <br />137 have two homes that support people with disabilities. While staffing is stable, we are at times <br />138 challenged to staff our services at full capacity. Our direct care teams and their managers have often <br />139 stepped up to take extra shifts when needed. <br />140 <br />141 We’ve worked hard to advocate for our employees – increasing pay wherever possible, focusing on <br />142 self-care for staff to include a day of care and giving an extra financial gift to thank all employees for <br />143 their steadfast dedication to our mission and the people we support. We’ve also ramped up our <br />144 recruitment efforts. <br />145 <br />146 We can empathize with ACR Homes and many other organizations in Minnesota that are caring for <br />147 people with disabilities. Staffing is indeed challenged by state and federal limits on the reimbursement <br />148 rates. Rates for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) have not covered the true cost of service for <br />149 several years. Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was difficult for Minnesota’s caring <br />150 professions to meet the needs of individuals and families in a sustainable way. <br />151 <br />152 Currently, we are advocating for House File 3100 at the State Legislature to implement regular <br />153 adjustments to the Competitive Workforce Factor. This is an important, long-term solution to reduce <br />154 the wage gap between DSPs and comparable occupations. Additionally, this proposal allows <br />155 organization like ours to adapt and be more responsive to market conditions. <br />156 <br />157 Despite staffing challenges and the pandemic, DSPs have been heroic in their dedication to ensuring <br />158 that people with disabilities remain healthy and live as independently as possible in their home and <br />159 community. We are so proud of their deep commitment to the people we support. <br />160 <br />161 Going forward, investment in these services will be critical to sustaining competitive wages and <br />162 benefits that reflect the professionalism and importance of the services provided. Thank you for the <br />163 work you are doing at the City of Roseville to ensure that our neighbors receive important care they <br />164 need to live and work in our community with full and abundant lives. <br />165 <br />166 Sincerely, <br />167 Shawn Dolezal <br />168 Lutheran Social Services of MN Metro / South Senior Director <br />169 <br />170 As a result of the previous conversation regarding group homes, the City Council did pass a resolution <br />171 supporting legislative changes to the wage-rate formula for group homes. (Attachment D). It does not <br />172 appear that in the recently concluded legislative session any legislation was passed that addressed the <br />173 problems that group homes are facing. <br />174 <br />175 The City Council should discuss what steps, if any, the City should take to financially assist Roseville <br />176 group homes. <br />177 <br />178 P OLICY O BJECTIVE <br />179 To discuss potential uses allowable under the American Resuce Plan Act. <br />Page 4 of 5 <br /> <br />