stuckhog: Yes, the caregiving sector underpays its employees. It is a horrible thing! I work, and have worked with people with disabilities for the last 11 years. True, it is by choice because I love working with the individuals I serve, but you are right in that this sector is way underpaid. I know of many families that are in aid from the state, etc. because this is their employment and they cannot support their families. I am fortunate that I just have me to take care of and am able to afford it by living within my means.

There are groups and opportunities to advocate for the individuals being served in the health care field (such and nursing homes and assisted living facilities). These groups are frequently in contact with their government representatives. It also is a push for higher pay in this field.

As for how to become involved? I do know that Judy Robson is a HUGE advocate in this area of advocating. Contact her for information when you are ready to advocate.

Let's hope for GOOD paying jobs too. No more minimum wage or even $7-$9 jobs. Jobs that actually pay a living wage. I went on a job interview recently the pay offer was almost half of what I'm making now. It was at a nursing home I felt outraged at how little they pay those people who are caring for our family members. I look all the time for a new job, but in this area there just doesn't seem to be very many decent waged jobs.

Anytime I see this type of announcement, I think to myself, "How is THIS one going to be fleeced to someone undeserving" I realize this grant would be pointed towards business, but in this socialistic environment we live in, it always seems to go to someone not willing to earn, or it gets absorbed into a less objective entity, such as a community program that does no one any good (whatever)
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I'll say this for nothing....Please use this money to keep jobs, skills, and product production here in our country, as it suggests it will. Enough with the Chinese made crap. We have people who need employment, so lets give it to them!