Submitted by Lee Dobson, Area Director, NC Government Affairs (GAO)

Budget negotiations are underway between the House and Senate to iron out the differences between their respective budget bills. Both contain funds for an increase to the Personal Care Services (PCS) program aide rate from $13.88 to between $15.52 and $15.78. BAYADA’s Government Affairs Office (GAO) continues to work with key lawmakers to garner support for an amendment to add funds to cover aide services under the Community Alternative Programs for Children (CAP-C) and Disabled Adults (CAP-DA). Language has been drafted and is being circulated. Budget writers are working behind closed doors as House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger have instructed conference chairs to have their committee reports completed by the end week.