As both a parent of individuals with developmental disabilities and a professional in the field providing supports for individuals with developmental disabilities, I have seen firsthand the difficulty families across the Commonwealth are facing as a direct result of low reimbursement rates for waiver services.  It is all but impossible to attract and keep competent staff for agency directed or consumer directed services when reimbursement rates for such services are below the wages these individuals could be paid for working unskilled jobs at local food service establishments.  Yet we are asking them to provide personal care for individuals with disabilities, who by very definition, are not able to care for themselves alone.  In order for individuals with developmental disabilities to remain in their homes and communities, we need to commit to competitive reimbursement rates for personal care (and all HCBS services) that will attract and keep appropriate staff to provide the needed services.  I fully support the proposed increase in personal care reimbursement rates.