Issues

State funding that helped support direct care worker programs through Iowa CareGivers was cut a few years ago. The programs and resources help keep people in the field by enhancing their knowledge and skills at statewide and regional educational and networking conferences and virtual programs, self-care programs to address burnout, and newsletters and other resources tailored to those in direct care. It is critical funding that needs to be restored if we are to continue to provide these valuable supports that benefit direct care workers, those they serve, family caregivers, employers, and the state overall.

Please contact your state legislators in both the Iowa House of Representatives and the Iowa Senate AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Your Ask: Please restore funding for valuable direct care worker programs offered through Iowa CareGivers (add a note about how you have personally benefitted from the programs/services or why they are important to you). 

Easiest and Fastest Way: Call and leave a message with the Switchboard at the State Capitol:

  • Leave a message for your Senator: 515-281-3371

  • Leave a message for your Representative: 515-281-3221

OR

Step 1: Find Your Legislators:  Find Your Legislator

Step 2: Click on this link, find the name of your Senator, and click on his/her email address or copy the email into your message and send: Find and Send a Message to Your State Senator

Sample email message (keep it brief but include how you or a loved one may have personally benefitted from the programs): 

Dear Senator _______,

I am a (direct care worker, family caregiver, consumer, employer) and I live in your district. I am writing to ask that you restore funding to support direct care worker programs offered by Iowa CareGivers. Thank you for your consideration. (Name, address)

Step 3: Click on this link, find the name of your Representative, and click on his/her email address or copy the email into your message and send: Find and Send a Message to Your Iowa Representative

Sample email message (keep it brief but include how you or a loved one may have personally benefitted from the programs): 

Dear Representative _______,

I am a (direct care worker, family caregiver, consumer, employer) and I live in your district, I am writing to ask that you restore funding to support direct care worker programs offered by Iowa CareGivers. Thank you for your consideration. (Name, address)

The Far-Reaching Impact of The Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers

>>> Click here to learn more and support higher wages for Direct Care Workers.<<<

Direct Care Workers make up one of the largest segments of Iowa’s workforce, but the numbers are dwindling at a time when the demand is increasing. The needs of Iowans of all ages and abilities can’t be met without a stable, well-prepared, and well-compensated direct care workforce.

Are Direct Care Worker wages and training credentials important to you? If so, join Iowa CareGivers in the fight to increase wages, educational standards, and a permanent record of training credentials that follow Direct Care Workers from one location to another.


We encourage you to become familiar with the issues that affect you.

Defining the Direct Care Workforce
(Document is undergoing revisions)

Direct Care Worker Registry
(Document is undergoing revisions)

Wages and Benefits

Staffing and Turnover