In 2023, Direct Care Workers (DCWs) and those who receive care across Colorado joined together to demand legislation to address the care crisis in Colorado, a crisis born from poor wages and working conditions driving care workers out of the industry and creating an alarming care shortage for those who need it most.

The Direct Care Workforce Stabilization Act was passed, creating a state-run board of care workers, those who receive care, and industry stakeholders to make recommendations for the Colorado legislature that would begin to directly address the crisis. The first recommendations were passed in 2025.

Now, it’s time to build on this progress with a new set of recommendations to continue to address the changing issues in the industry. Care workers and people who depend on them deserve bold leadership, not elected officials who refuse to take action. We call on the next Governor and elected officials to make care a priority. 

In line with the 250th birthday of the United States and the 150th birthday of Colorado, and in marking 91 years since these workers have been left out of the National Labor Relations Act, Direct Care Workers are recommending a Direct Care Worker Bill of Rights:

• The Right to a Livable Wage: Proper funding is at the heart of the majority of the issues in the care industry. Whether the issue stems from lack of funds or unfair allocation, the bottom line is this: Direct Care Workers are grossly underpaid.
• The Right to a Secure Future: Industry issues that aren’t a matter of direct funding may be addressed by it, but also stem from a lack of legal protections or benefits structure. This leads to a lack of stability for Direct Care Workers, and an uncertain future.   
• The Right to a Union and a Seat at the Table: At the end of the day, every issue that Direct Care Workers face can be addressed very simply: through the power of a union and a seat at the table for both care workers and those who receive care. Those in the system know their industry best, and with the power to work together, they can begin fixing the care crisis at its roots while working to save taxpayer dollars in the process.