Local leaders are calling for raises for home care workers as the New York state budget deadline approaches.

Rep. Ritchie Torries and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson say that more than half of home care workers in New York are living below the poverty line. 

Torres and Gibson are calling for pay to be raised to $22.50 an hour.

Advocates say that low pay discourages people from pursuing home care careers. 

"We should be first in benefits, first in recovery," said one local advocate.

The state budget is due in seven days.