Reply Permanent wage increase essential for Michigan DCWs (Image Credit (Resch Strategies/Media Image)) After an important amendment to fully fund Michigan's Direct Care workforce wage increase was struck down in the state's House Appropriations Committee this morning, advocates and families are again calling for a permanent fix to support caregivers over the long term. State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Twp.) offered today's amendment with the support of several other Democrat committee members. "We are incredibly grateful to Rep. Brabec and her colleagues for their initiative and urge the full chamber to support this amendment when the budget reaches the House floor," said Robert Stein, general counsel for the Michigan Assisted Living Association. "If not for the temporary increases passed to adequately compensate Direct Care Workers during the past year, tens of thousands of our state's families would be facing tremendous hardship today. And if today's temporary increase is not extended into next year's budget, these workers will experience a drastic pay cut and likely leave our state's most vulnerable residents without the help they need."