Homecare Workers, Allies Protest Trigger Cuts

Homecare Workers, Allies Protest Trigger Cuts

Trigger Cuts

SEIU Local 521 homecare workers and allies held a demonstration in Sunnyvale on Friday, March 27 against so-called "Trigger Cuts" to services that will impact our most-vulnerable residents.

The state director of finance and the treasurer were expected to announce nearly $1 billion in cuts to home care, health care and higher education on Friday morning.

"This is unacceptable," said Brian O'Neill, Political Chair for SEIU Local 521. "Too many people are living on the edge of financial disaster, health disaster and human disaster. And we want our leaders to stop these deep cuts."

These Trigger Cuts will:

• Destabilize home care for the elderly and slash wages of home care workers

• Take away health care coverage for 3 million people

• Reduce the already weak financial support for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities

• And take away college opportunities for our young people

Why They're called 'Trigger Cuts'
The state budget agreement passed in February counted on the state receiving
$10 billion in federal aid. State officials were expected to announce Friday morning that they do not believe the funds will be received within a necessary time frame, thereby triggering devastating cuts to local and statewide services.

Friday's Speakers:
Brian O'Neill, Political Chair for SEIU Local 521
Ed Burns, homecare worker from San Mateo County and 521 member
Ellen Rollins, homecare worker from Santa Clara County and 521 member
Dr. Lyn Sanders, systems change advocate for Silicon Valley Independent Living Center
Janie Whiteford, President of California In-Home Supportive Services Consumer Alliance (CICA)