119th (2025–2027)
S. 4889
This bill creates a grant program to strengthen the direct care workforce and support family caregivers who assist older adults and people with disabilities. The legislation authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute $1 billion in grants starting in fiscal year 2027 to eligible organizations including states, nonprofits, community colleges, labor organizations, and tribal entities to recruit, train, retain, and advance direct care workers in roles such as home health aides and personal care assistants. The grants fall into four categories: general direct care professionals, supervisory and managerial staff, self-directed care workers, and family caregivers. Grantees must dedicate at least 30 percent of funding to career advancement opportunities and at least 5 percent to direct financial support for workers. The bill also establishes a national technical assistance center with $2 million annually through 2031 to develop training standards, identify workforce gaps, and share best practices. All funds must supplement rather than replace existing state and local spending, and grantees must include direct care workers, family members, and people with disabilities in planning and advisory roles.