H.C.R. No. 4
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals are the primary
providers of publicly funded long-term support services for
millions of individuals with physical and mental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, These highly trained caregivers build close,
trusted relationships with the people they serve, who rely on them
for assistance with their most intimate needs; their
responsibilities include helping clients to negotiate a broad range
of daily tasks, such as eating, bathing, dressing, taking
medications, overcoming mobility issues, and attending school,
work, religious, and recreational activities; and
WHEREAS, The essential care provided by direct support
professionals enables persons with disabilities to live
meaningful, productive lives while remaining connected to their
families and communities; for many, they offer a practical
alternative to more costly institutional services; and
WHEREAS, A majority of direct support professionals are
women, and many are the sole wage earners in their families; despite
working and paying taxes, a significant number of them are eligible
for the same federal and state public assistance on which their
clients depend; and
WHEREAS, Because of inadequate income and benefits, direct
support professionals are often forced to leave jobs, leading to a
shortage of workers that persists throughout the state; although
the demand for caregivers employed in homes and community-based
settings is continuing to grow, high turnover and vacancy rates
threaten to adversely affect the quality of support that
individuals with disabilities receive; and
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals enhance the lives of
thousands of Texans while performing a vital service to their
families, for whom day-to-day care may pose a challenge beyond
their capabilities; by observing Direct Support Professionals
Recognition Week, the State of Texas joins with communities across
the nation in extending profound thanks to those who accept this
demanding yet rewarding role, for their contributions are
indispensable to countless of their fellow citizens; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas,
2nd Called Session, hereby designate the week beginning September
8, 2013, as Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week and honor
direct support professionals as an integral part of the long-term
care system of Texas.
Guillen
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 4 was adopted by the House on July
10, 2013, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 4 was adopted by the Senate on July
12, 2013, by a viva-voce vote.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: __________________
Date
__________________
Governor