The Direct CARE Opportunity Act of 2023 would authorize the Department of Labor to award grants to states, nonprofits, labor organizations, and other eligible entities to recruit, train, and retain direct care workers such as home health aides and personal care assistants. Nearly 25 million Americans currently need assistance with daily activities due to aging or disabilities, yet the direct care workforce faces severe shortages, with median wages of only $14.27 per hour and high turnover rates. Grant recipients would develop strategies including education and training programs, apprenticeships, career pathways, and supportive services like childcare and transportation assistance for workers earning below minimum wage standards. The bill authorizes $300 million annually from 2024 through 2029 for grants lasting at least five years, plus an additional $6 million annually for a national technical assistance center. Grant recipients must consult with workers, clients, employers, and relevant state agencies, collect detailed outcome data, and use no more than seven percent of grant funds for administrative costs. The Department of Labor and Government Accountability Office would report to Congress on program outcomes and recommendations.
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