The direct care workforce and family caregivers could be in line for $1 billion in federal aid amid struggles to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic under legislation backed by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. 

Agencies that provide direct care services to people with developmental and intellectual disabiities in New York have called for help in order to bolster its workforce amid a wave of departures, a lack of applicants and growing need. 

At the same time, the bill backed by Gillibrand in Congress would aid family caregivers, who provide support for loved ones who are sick, have a disability or are elderly. 

“We need to invest in our care infrastructure, which means investing in the caregiving workforce that makes all other work possible,” Gillibrand said. “The Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act would help support care workers, family caregivers, and importantly, the older adults and people with disabilities that depend on them to live full, independent lives.”

The measure would award grants to states and other entities toprovide training and promote the direct care workforce, including self-directed wokers and direct care supervisors. 

States would also be able to receive grants and training for paid and unpaid family caregivers. 

The Administration on Community Living would also offer technical asistance to grant awardees for career development strategies, find gaps in nataionl data and data collection strategies and develop training and educational materials.