$15 DSP Wage Campaign

Progress is a member of the statewide membership association TNCO (Tennessee Community Organizations). The mission of TNCO (www.TNCO.org) is "to promote the growth and development of service provider agencies and to advance the quality of support for individuals with disabilities." TNCO is currently lobbying legislators to raise the wage of Direct Support Professionals to $15 an hour, and Progress along with agencies across the state are arranging meetings with legislators to discuss Senate Bill 114 and House Bill 130. 

• Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in Tennessee have been putting their lives on the line during Covid-19 for $10 an hour – some across the state have lost their lives while trying to keep those they support safe.
• The proposed bills allow for their wages and benefits align with increases given by the state to teachers and state employees, including medical cost of living.
• Inadequate wage means regular turnover in vital positions, ultimately impacting the well-being of persons supported. $15 an hour for DSPs would help resolve the constant statewide staffing crisis.

We encourage you to contact your legislators and ask them to support Senate Bill 114 and House Bill 130 to increase the wage of DSPs. Find your legislator here. 
To learn more about the work of  Direct Support Professionals, watch the video below featuring Progress DSPs and persons supported.