To: The Florida State House, The Florida State Senate, and Governor Ron DeSantis

Fairness for hard working DCF ACCESS Employees

Although Access Employees in DCF have managed to garner more than $54 million dollars in Federal bonuses for over 8 years in a row, they still are denied raises time and time again. The small raise they received in 2013 did not even make up for the 3% decrease taken from them for now having to contribute to their retirement fund. No pay raises or cost of living increases in over 10 years. If the workers are not benefitting, then who is?

Why is this important?

As one of those ACCESS Workers, I think it is a crime to be treated in such a manner. The governor has reduced the number of workers - we have the lowest ratio of workers to clients in the entire country. We are brow beaten and made to adhere to such unrealistic requirements with so much work and so many work requirements. These workers really struggle to maintain these unrealistic standards. And with all that commitment and dedication, we can't get a raise? My rent, utilities, food, insurance etc - everything continues to rise - except my salary. I can't even afford to take my child to Disney. Where is the justice in that?