Shapiro visits western Pennsylvania direct support facility, touts funding increases

CANONSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — In a visit to a human resources firm out west, Gov. Josh Shapiro said investments have paid off, allowing more Pennsylvanians to live independently.

He stopped by Arc Human Services in downtown Canonsburg, highlighting the care and compassion staffers provide folks with intellectual disabilities.

Shapiro said last year’s budget increases helped fill many vacant positions, increase wages and get thousands more people into critical services.

The governor said the emergency waiting list dropped by 28% last year.

“That is not a static list and we reduced it by 28%, people are still joining at the same time we are reducing that wait list by 28%,” Shapiro said.

“I just want to say, this is a wonderful company – and I want to thank everybody, especially the boss, thank you [for] helping everybody,” said Eugene Willis, a participant and board member with Arc Human Services.

“Direct Support Professionals are the very beating heart of everything we do at Arc Human Services,” said Ed Picchiarini, CEO, Arc Human Services.

This year, Shapiro is asking for $21 Million to increase wages and benefits for direct care workers.