Raises for nursing home workers

Nursing home workers would get a raise under a bill unveiled Tuesday by Rep. Nancy Argenziano, R-Dunnellon.

Under her proposal, nursing homes would have to use some of the Medicaid funds they get from the state to give nursing home workers a $1-an-hour raise.

That would force nursing homes to shift an estimated $51-million in Medicaid dollars, according to an analysis of the bill.

During a news conference, several nursing home workers testified that some of their colleagues couldn't afford health insurance on their wages and many had been unable to save for their retirement.

Argenziano's proposal comes one year after lawmakers overhauled nursing home litigation laws and adopted higher staffing standards. Argenziano said she wanted to further that overhaul by giving workers "a living wage."

The bill has several committee stops before it heads to the House chamber.