In a room filled with the palpable energy of commitment and concern, members of the Oregon House Committee on Rules gathered on April 28, 2025, to discuss pressing issues surrounding the state's caregiving workforce. The meeting, marked by passionate testimonies from caregivers, highlighted the urgent need for better support and recognition of those who provide essential services to vulnerable populations.

As the session commenced, the chair introduced a series of speakers, each eager to share their experiences and advocate for change. Among them was Carol Kelly, a dedicated home care worker and union member, who emphasized the importance of training and fair compensation for caregivers. "Every care provider should have a living wage and access to health care," she asserted, underscoring the critical role that well-trained professionals play in delivering quality care to those in need.

Kelly's sentiments were echoed by Kayla Owry, another caregiver who spoke passionately about the challenges faced by her peers. With four years of experience, Owry articulated the emotional weight of caregiving, stating, "For me, caregiving isn't just a job. It's a way to honor people's lives." She highlighted the struggles many caregivers endure, often forced to choose between basic necessities due to inadequate wages. "Supporting this bill means recognizing that caregivers are not invisible," she urged, calling for a shift in how society values their contributions.

The discussions also touched on the systemic issues within the caregiving sector, particularly the lack of step increases in pay for long-serving Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). This stagnation in wages, as noted by one speaker, undermines efforts to professionalize the workforce and hampers recruitment and retention. The urgency of these issues was palpable, with many speakers expressing a desire for ongoing dialogue and collaboration to address the challenges faced by caregivers.

As the meeting progressed, the committee listened intently, allowing the voices of those directly impacted to guide the conversation. The testimonies served as a powerful reminder of the human element behind caregiving, emphasizing that the well-being of caregivers is intrinsically linked to the quality of care provided to clients.

In conclusion, the meeting not only shed light on the struggles of Oregon's caregiving workforce but also ignited a call to action for lawmakers to prioritize the needs of these essential workers. As the session wrapped up, it was clear that the path forward would require a concerted effort to ensure that caregivers receive the respect, training, and compensation they deserve—an endeavor that promises to enhance the lives of both caregivers and those they serve.