Pennsylvania proposes historic budget to transform care for people with intellectual disabilities and autism

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — A major roundtable discussion took place at Keystone Human Services on Wednesday as Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh met with advocates, families, caregivers and providers. The conversation focused on Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 budget proposal, which promises unprecedented funding for Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A), and aims to revolutionize the support system for both needy people and their caregivers.

For years, Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities have remained on long waitlists, unable to access vital services that allow them to actively participate in their communities. This systemic delay has not only limited the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, but has also placed additional strain on their families and caregivers. Secretary Arkoosh underscored the unacceptable nature of this reality and expressed the urgent need for tangible change. “This is unacceptable and we must do more to remove barriers to care and services,” she said, highlighting the urgency of addressing these long-standing issues.

At the center of this pivotal moment is Governor Shapiro’s bipartisan budget proposal. The proposal outlines a $483 million investment in federal and state funding designed to bolster home and community-based service providers. This financial infusion is intended to increase the average starting wage for service professionals from approximately $15 per hour to about $17 per hour. This wage increase is critical to attracting and retaining the skilled staff who are essential to providing these critical services.

Governor Shapiro’s commitment to this cause was evident late last year when he announced that DHS would re-evaluate rates earlier than necessary to better support these critical service providers and the dedicated professionals who work in the sector. Additionally, a one-time supplemental payment was issued in June to assist with workforce recruitment and retention efforts.

To build momentum, Governor Shapiro has directed DHS to expand the program’s capacity, allowing for an additional 1,650 Pennsylvanians to receive services this year alone. Additionally, the proposed budget allocates $78 million in federal and state funding to expand services to an additional 1,500 individuals in the next fiscal year. This action marks the start of a multi-year expansion plan aimed at positioning Pennsylvania as a national leader in ID/A services and eradicating the state’s adult emergency waiting list.

During her visit, Secretary Arkoosh interacted directly with the community at one of Keystone Human Services’ licensed homes. These homes are essential in helping people with intellectual disabilities live more independently and offer a range of services that promote community living, employment, communication, autonomy, choice and control.

The implications of Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal go far beyond the financial numbers. It represents a profound shift toward recognizing and affirming the dignity of Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities or autism. By addressing the pay gap for direct support professionals and eliminating wait lists for services, Pennsylvania is poised to fundamentally transform the landscape of care and support for some of its most vulnerable residents. If successful, this initiative will not only improve the lives of thousands of Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities or autism, but will also set a new standard for how states support people with disabilities and those who care for them.

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