Letter From the President                                     BACK TO MAIN PAGE

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Vinfen

employees (as well as all others in the human servicesfield), Massachusetts has been able to offer supportivecommunity-based programs for those who need them.

Nearly 1 million Massachusetts residents require some sort of assistance with their daily lives.

Although more than 185,000 employees provide these important human services, the state has not appropriated any money to reflect the increased operating costs of community-based care since 1987.

This has often resulted in fewer programs, lowersalaries and health care plans requiring higheremployee contributions.

Fortunately, there is a potential solution on the horizon: Senate Bill 65 (S. 65), The Campaign to StrengthenHuman Services.

This legislation would enable providers to bid on state contracts with rates that are based upon the actual cost of providing services.

It would allow providers to increase salaries, retain capable employees and raise the level of care.S. 65 shifts the responsibility of setting rates from the state’s purchasing division to the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy, enabling important decisions to be made by people experienced in this complex field.

At Vinfen, we wholeheartedly support this measure. Ourmanagement team has been active in meeting with statelegislators, writing letters and drumming up support overthe phone. More than 200 staff and individuals servedattended the State House rally on June 10 (see related story).

Take a few minutes to read about S. 65 by visiting Vinfen’s Web site (www.vinfen.org). Then contact your state representative and senator, requesting supportfor S. 65. Human service employees work hard, often in challenging environments, and they deserve better.  

Sincerely,

Gary W. Lamson

President and CEO