Here are 10 reasons why you should join or renew your membership with The Arc of Mower County:

1. Membership dues help generate funds to help get our job done at the local, state and national levels.

2. We need your vote and opinions on policies and issues.

3. To make Arc’s programs available to families.

4. A larger membership means a louder voice to the Legislature to protect the rights and services of people with intellectual disabilities.

5. Members are our leadership base for the future.

6. We need a better informed public. Awareness is an outgrowth of membership.

7. This newsletter keeps members informed of Our Place activities, Special Events, Fundraisers and also to receive vital information and updates.

8. You are looking for services for your child with intellectual disabilities.

9. You have a sibling or family member with intellectual disabilities.

10. You want to make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Membership is open to anybody. If you are interested in joining, please call us at (507) 433-8994 or email us at office@arcmowercounty.org.

 Obama calls for better pay for disability caregivers

The Obama administration is proposing new rules to provide first-ever minimum wage and overtime protections for in-home care workers who assist people with disabilities. Under a federal law dating to 1974, those who provide at-home assistance are classified as companions, much like baby sitters, and do not have the same rights as other workers.

Now the U.S. Department of Labor is proposing a new rule to dramatically change the landscape for the nation is 1.79 million in-home care providers. Under a plan announced Dec. 15 at the White House, minimum wage and overtime laws would apply to all in-home care workers employed through staffing agencies and other third parties. In addition, protections would be extended to individuals employed by families if they are providing skilled medical care.

These men and women, they work their tails off, President Barack Obama said. They deserve to be treated fairly. Currently, nearly 40 percent of the nation is in-home care workers rely on government assistance like Medicaid and food stamps because of low pay in the field.

While some states already extend minimum wage or overtime protections to home care workers, 29 states do not. Federal officials say that workers across the country will benefit from having the Labor Department backing them up. Once the rule is published in the Federal Register, there will be a 60-day public comment period before any changes can take effect.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Today: Happy New Year!

Monday: Health and Wellness, exercise class, 4 to 5 p.m.

Tuesday: Our Place Advisory Council, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Mower County Special Olympics Bowling, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Movie and munchies, 6 to 8 p.m.

Friday: Open Center, 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: Wii and Dice Bowling Tournament, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.