The importance of the work performed by direct support professionals cannot be overstated. From assisting with daily living activities to assisting individuals who have disabilities in remaining active members of their communities, these professionals provide vital, life-enhancing services. Unfortunately, it is no secret that we are in the midst of a direct support professional shortage, deemed a “DSP Crisis” by the Arc, negatively impacting the accessibility of services across the nation.
 
To help bolster our direct support professional workforce and incentivize employment within this profession, I plan to introduce legislation to establish a tax credit for individuals employed as direct support professionals. This small but meaningful action will help ease some of the financial burden currently impacting these overworked and underpaid professionals.
 
Please consider joining me in this effort to better support our Commonwealth’s direct support professionals.