11/02/2026
November is National Caregivers Month, and I want to start it with gratitude. đź’›
I have cerebral palsy, and I work in schools and the community every day. What you see is me showing up. What you don’t see is the personal care worker who helps me start my day and the job coach who’s there when I need one. I call it the banana bread problem: you can be one ingredient short and it still comes out fine, but take one more thing away and it collapses. 🍌
So thank you to every caregiver, direct support professional, and job coach who makes independence possible. You are not a “nice to have.” You are the reason so many of us can work, contribute, and be part of our communities.
And here’s my wish: let’s not save caregiving for one month. Caregivers, Medicaid, and DVR deserve fair pay, respect, and protected funding all year round.
Next week I’m taking this story to a national panel at AUCD, and I’m so excited to share it. Senator Baldwin and Representative Pocan, I’d welcome the chance to meet and share what support actually looks like.
If there’s a caregiver in your life, tell them thank you today. 🌻
DirectSupportProfessionals Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin Representative Mark Pocan