SAN JOSE, CA – A state-mandated program serving some of the most vulnerable citizens in our society faces drastic cuts as California wrestles with a budget deficit of blockbuster proportions.
Only this is not Hollywood fiction and no happy ending is in sight. Real, live people – the blind, disabled and elderly – will get less in-home support and workers will see their salaries reduced to minimum wage.
The budget situation is bad, but we should not be targeting seniors and the disabled, who truly count on In-Home Supportive Services to provide the care they need. Without it, they might be forced into institutions,
said Assemblyman Jim Beall (D-San Jose).
Economically it does not make sense because institutional care will always cost more. Morally, we as a state have an obligation to help maintain independence and quality of life for our most frail citizens.
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a program for those over age 65, or are blind or disabled who would be unable to live safely in their homes without this assistance. Funding comes from federal Medicaid dollars as well as state, local and county revenues.
IHSS clients and workers will be available for media interviews Wednesday, May 21 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the SEIU Local 521 San Jose office, 2302 Zanker Road.
The press is invited to come and learn how Gov. Schwarzenegger proposes to patch a $20 billion budget deficit by targeting the aged, infirm and disabled:
Slash domestic services hours affecting thousands of clients who need help with cooking, cleaning, feeding, shopping, etc. (State savings: $52 million)
Reduce workers’ pay to minimum wage, or $8 per hour plus benefits. Workers in Santa Clara County currently earn $12.35 per hour, the best wages in the state, thanks to strong lobbying by SEIU. San Mateo County workers earn $11.50 per hour. (State savings: $186.6 million)
Suspend a Cost of Living Allowance increase for seniors and the disabled from State Supplemental Payment, scheduled for October 2008 and January 2009.
Keep in state coffers federal money intended to be cash assistance to low-income and seniors and the disabled. (State earns: $108.8 million)
IHSS is the fastest-growing social service program in California. There are 13,000 IHSS workers in Santa Clara County and 2,500 in San Mateo County. The numbers rise every month, as does the need.