Critical services
In Virginia people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on various support services to live, work and thrive in their communities. But a shortage of direct support professionals, driven by insufficient Medicaid payment rates and impending funding cuts, continues to threaten the existence of these critical services.
In its recently released report, ANCOR, a national voice for providers of community-based intellectual and developmental disabilities services, details the severity of this direct support workforce crisis. With turnover rates stuck near 40% and vacancy rates hovering between 12-15% nationally, the impact on access to services has intensified.
What’s more concerning is that 52% of providers are now considering program cuts if recruitment and retention challenges continue, a dramatic increase from just 34% in 2024. Add on the threat of federal Medicaid funding cuts passed by Congress earlier this year and the loss of funding that bolstered wages and benefits for care workers, it will be nearly impossible for providers to stem the tide of workers leaving the field.
As a provider of these services I know firsthand that the Hampton Roads community is better when it includes everyone — regardless of their disability. If Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans agree that our community is stronger when it includes people with disabilities, they must commit to investing in Medicaid services to alleviate the current workforce crisis and ensure the long-term viability of community-based support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Nicole Adams, Hope House Foundation, Portsmouth
Oxymoron
“The Peace President” is an oxymoron. Prior to and since his inauguration on Jan. 20, President Donald Trump has threatened to acquire, invade and/or take over Canada, Gaza, Greenland, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama and Venezuela, and ordered strikes against Iran and alleged drug boats in the Caribbean.
Trump declared a segment of the American people as “the enemy within.” He reposted a meme of himself as a fighter jet pilot wearing a crown and dropping what appeared to be excrement on “No Kings” rally protestors. He told a room full of generals and admirals that they should use American cities as training grounds for the military.
Finally, he and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have plans for a rapid response team of the National Guard and military that would be deployed into American cities whenever Trump perceives that civil unrest has occurred.
“Perceives” because prior to leaving office last December, I received a letter from Stephen Miller, presently White House deputy chief of staff for policy and United States homeland security adviser, threatening me with litigation for allowing the city of Hampton to be a “sanctuary city.” Of course, there was no truth to Hampton being a “sanctuary city,” just as there was no truth to Trump’s claims that all the cities into which he deployed the National Guard were violent, lawless cities. But why let facts get in the way when you think you’re deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize?
Donnie R. Tuck, former Hampton mayor, Hampton
Campaign money
We could improve our country by passing a law that the only campaign money raised and used by someone running for any office must come from the constituents that office will represent.
Right now, politicians represent the special interests that support them over their constituents. This would stop special interests from buying a politician’s votes. The politicians would vote for the constituents’ needs instead of big money special interests. If you agree, please pass this around the country. We can change things if we are willing to get involved, just by using our voices. We Americans could get this passed if we called our congressional representatives.
Denis A. Crisp, Virginia Beach
