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April 21, 2026 - Harrisburg, PA

Shapiro Administration Highlights Governor's Investments in Pennsylvania's Direct Care Workforce, Calls for Increased Minimum Wage for All Workers

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh today advocated for continued investments in Pennsylvania's workforce alongside SEIU Healthcare direct care workers (DCWs) and celebrated recent investments that increased wages for this workforce. Because of investments made in Governor Josh Shapiro's 2025-26 Budget, the hourly rates paid to certain DCWs support a $15 hourly wage, personal time off, and recognizes the cost of health insurance.

These workers are seeing increases of $1-$5 per hour from their current hourly wage. Because wages are decided between DCWs and the individual they work with, both employees and the person they work for must fill out, sign, and return a form in order to receive the raise. Forms must be submitted and received by May 8, 2026, to receive pay retroactive to January 1, 2026.

Speakers:
Sec. Arkoosh
Representative Dan Williams
Suzzanne Ott, Caregiver
Cheryl Harp, Caregiver
Brandon Kingsmore, Consumer



Harrisburg, PA. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh speaks during Tuesdays press conference. Dr. Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_01.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh speaks during Tuesdays press conference. Dr. Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_02.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Caregiver Cheryl Harp looks on as Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh speaks during Tuesdays press conference. Dr. Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_03.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh speaks during Tuesdays press conference. Dr. Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_04.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh speaks during Tuesdays press conference. Dr. Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_05.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Consumer Brandon looks on as Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh speaks during Tuesdays press conference. Dr. Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_06.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh speaks during Tuesdays press conference. Dr. Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_07.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_08.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh speaks during Tuesdays press conference. Dr. Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_09.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh speaks during Tuesdays press conference. Dr. Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_10.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh answering questions from the press during Tuesdays press conference. Dr. Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_11.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh answering questions from the press during Tuesdays press conference. Dr. Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_12.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh answering questions from the press during Tuesdays press conference. Dr. Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_13.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Rep. Dan Williams speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_14.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Rep. Dan Williams speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_15.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Rep. Dan Williams speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_16.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Caregivers on stage look on as Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh speaks during Tuesdays press conference. Dr. Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_17.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Caregiver Suzzanne Ott speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_18.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Caregiver Suzzanne Ott speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_19.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh looks on as caregiver Suzzanne Ott speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_20.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Caregiver Suzzanne Ott speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_21.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Caregivers on stage look on as Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh speaks during Tuesdays press conference. Dr. Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_22.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_23.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Caregiver, Suzzanne Ott looks on as caregiver Cheryl Harp speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_24.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Caregiver Cheryl Harp speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_25.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh looks on as caregiver Cheryl Harp speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_26.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Caregiver Cheryl Harp speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_27.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh looks on as caregiver Cheryl Harp speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_28.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Caregiver Cheryl Harp speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_29.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Caregiver Cheryl Harp speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_30.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Caregivers on stage look on as Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh speaks during Tuesdays press conference. Dr. Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_31.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Consumer Brandon Kingsmore speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_32.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh looks on as consumer Brandon Kingsmore speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_33.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Consumer Brandon Kingsmore speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_34.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Consumer Brandon Kingsmore speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_35.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Caregiver, Suzzanne Ott looks on as consumer Brandon Kingsmore speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_36.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Consumer Brandon Kingsmore speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_37.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Harrisburg, PA. Consumer Brandon Kingsmore speaks during Tuesdays press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined workers from SEIU Healthcare to highlight investments in the proposed 2026-27 budget that help workers and bring them above or closer to a $15 hourly wage. Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiros 2025-26 budget that invested $21 million to increase wages, direct care workers are now seeing an increase of $1-$5 per hour from their previous hourly wage. April 21, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29247_DHS_PayIncrease_AG_38.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>