Dear editor:
During the 2023 general session of the Wyoming State Legislature, funds were appropriated to increase rates for agency providers of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries across the state of Wyoming.
The new rates are effective October 1st and the Wyoming Community Service Providers (WCSP) sincerely thanks all those legislators who voted in favor of these increases.
The critical services that our members provide are in many cases 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and are very dependent on a well-trained workforce. The increases to agency rates will help providers to be more competitive in recruiting and retaining these essential workers and ultimately lead to higher quality services, and a higher quality of life for people with disabilities in Wyoming.
We appreciate the understanding that was shown by the legislature to support this critical program in our state. Wyoming Community Service Providers members provide supports and services to hundreds of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries and employs hundreds of direct support professionals across the state.
All these people are buying goods and services here that contribute to the overall health of our economy. Without the ability for WCSP members to serve people locally, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries would have to move away from their family and friends and would likely be forced to live in a more restrictive environment…which is not in their best interest, nor in the long-term financial interest of the state.
Home and community based services are by far the most cost-effective approach to the long-term services and supports that we provide.
Again, a heartfelt thank you to the members of the legislature who supported this appropriation, and for their commitment to Wyoming citizens with disabilities. We appreciate you!
If you have questions regarding the supports and services provided by WCSP members, please contact us at jeff@wyomingcsp.org or (307) 760-8137.
Jeff Gardner, Cheyenne
Executive Director, Wyoming Community Service Providers
