More than 40 labor and advocacy groups have sent a joint letter to Labor Secretary Tom Perez to voice their concerns that the Department of Labor (DOL) might delay the rollout of its home care workers rule. The proposed rule would extend minimum wage and overtime protections to home care workers.

“The basic rights of two million home care workers — predominantly women and disproportionately women of color — once again hang in the balance, as the administration appears at risk of faltering in the face of opposition,” the letter states.

Part of the reason for the rumored delay is that state Medicaid departments would be on the hook for paying many of these workers, and already the National Association of Medicaid Directors has pressed for a year-and-a-half delay. There is also continuing opposition from Congressional Republicans, with a pivotal national election on the horizon.

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