Reply $135 million to extend the $2.00/hour wage increase for direct care workers assisting the elderly and other vulnerable individuals during this especially difficult time. (Image Credit (Media Image)) Today's budget announcement from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer followed up on her State of the State message by introducing a plan to make permanent a $2.00/hour wage increase for Direct Care Workers. Residential and vocational Direct Care Workers provide much-needed personal care, training, emotional support and respite to people with developmental disabilities and mental illness. Currently, the temporary $2.00/hour wage increase is set to expire Feb. 28. "The Governor's actions on this issue are tremendously important," said Todd Culver, CEO of Incompass Michigan. "We hope this is an early indication of state policymakers' willingness to extend the temporary increase beyond the end of this month. If Mar. 1 arrives without a solution in place, the state's Direct Care Workers will take a significant pay cut—a cut they can ill afford."