I would like to address some of the points raised in your June 24 editorial, “Where will state’s wage-setting end?”

First, I would offer two corrections: LD 1991 went to $9 from $7.71 on July 1; only if matched by federal funds does it go to $10 in January. This is the first raise since 1998. LD 1934 is a study with two wage floors, $8.50 and $10.

I have worked under the Consumer Directed Program, where the Legislature sets the wage, for a 77-year-old gentleman since 1994. I help him with range-of-motion exercises and personal care while making sure he takes his medications.

Because his care is not allowed to cost more than 90 percent of what it would cost for nursing home care, he is able to stay at home longer while saving the state money. Unfortunately, we have not been able keep attendants because many service jobs pay a lot more.

The pay raises initiated by the above bills – and the teacher salary increases the Sun Journal critiqued – are designed to be investments in our long-term infrastructure. If we don’t pay our teachers appropriately, we cannot attract the best and the brightest to educate our children. And, if we don’t pay our direct support professionals appropriately, we will not have qualified, caring people to provide the essential services our growing population of elderly need to keep them safe and provide them a high standard of living.

Joyce Gagnon, Fairfield