November 28, 2016
KYMA
Vanessa Dillon

YUMA, Ariz. - While many locals say they were eager to see Proposition 206 pass, some businesses are worried it might jeopardize the current standing of companies that offer assistive services to people with disabilities. 

Company's such as the Saguaro Foundation and Abrio Care might suffer and risk going out of business, after the minimum employment wage is raised by January 1. 

Area Supervisor of Abrio Care, Teri Rademacher said the company is now focused on finding methods that will preserve expenses while also seeking a rate increase from state legislators. 

"With the [passing] of Prop 206, making it a law effective January 1 - with the minimum wage increase - It is going to have devastating effects on us," Rademacher said. "The margin between what we already pay our caregivers and what the state pays us to provide [for our clients] is so narrow that it doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room for anything." Michael Van Guilder is the CEO of the Saguaro Foundation in Yuma and said the company is hoping to raise awareness, and remind the community that those with disabilities in the care of companies such as the Saguaro Foundation, heavily rely on their assistance. 

"We are dealing with society's most vulnerable population, these are individuals who cannot fend for themselves."

Along with Saguaro Foundation and Abrio Care management, many other local businesses offering the same services are hoping to gain legislator attention by hosting an open forum.

"In an effort to get the word out we will be sending letters out to our families and to our caregivers, letting them know how this is going to impact what is is that we do," Rademacher said. "We've invited state legislators to comes, and hopefully they will come and hear from the families, the caregivers and those who have dedicated their lives to providing and taking care of individuals that can't help themselves." 

The forum will be help at the Yuma Civic Center from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on December 8.