A heartfelt plea for change echoed through the virtual public hearing on the Governor's proposed budget as a mother shared her tragic experience with the state's caregiving system. The meeting, part of the Regional Public Hearings on the 2024-2026 Biennium Budget, highlighted the urgent need for reform in Virginia's support for vulnerable citizens and their caregivers.

Amy's mother recounted the harrowing journey of trying to secure a generator for her daughter, who suffered from severe breathing complications. Despite qualifying for a grant under her waiver, the family faced a frustrating 18-month battle with bureaucratic red tape. "We had no power for five days," she recalled, emphasizing the critical need for reliable equipment to support her daughter's medical needs during power outages. Tragically, Amy passed away while waiting for the generator.

The mother criticized the outdated $5,000 allocation for medical equipment, which has remained unchanged since 1994. She argued that this insufficient funding, coupled with inadequate compensation for personal care attendants (PCAs), creates a broken system that fails to support both caregivers and those they serve. "Something needs to change," she urged, calling for updated legislation that reflects the true costs of caregiving and provides fair compensation for PCAs, especially when their clients are hospitalized.

Her testimony underscored the broader implications of caregiving in Virginia, where the demand for in-home care is rising. She advocated for a shift towards supporting caregivers financially, which would not only benefit families but also save the state money compared to nursing home placements.

As the hearing concluded, the message was clear: Virginia's caregiving system requires immediate attention and reform to ensure that no family has to endure the pain of losing a loved one due to systemic failures. The call for change resonated strongly, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.