The Direct Creation, Advancement, and Retention of Employment (CARE) Opportunity Act would invest more than $1 billion over five years in training and increasing opportunities for the direct care workforce, if passed.
“For older Americans and people with disabilities, this workforce is a critical necessity, and we must ensure that we are creating a pipeline to meet the growing need for direct care workers, while also promoting training and development for the heroes who take on these roles,” Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA), who proposed the bill with House Education and Labor Committee Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA) and Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV).
The Direct CARE Opportunity Act, according to its sponsors, aligns with a key piece of the American Jobs Plan that calls for the government to make significant investments to meet the increasing demand for home- and community-based services. The act would strengthen the training, support and career opportunities that direct care workers need to care for millions of older Americans whether they remain at home or move into a long-term care facility, they said.
