Governor Rebuffed in Freeze for 375,000 Low Income Californians Who Care for Disabled and Elderly

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Ryan Rauzon

The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services yesterday rejected Gov. Schwarzenegger's budget proposal to freeze state funding for wages and benefits for California's In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program workers. Both legislative committees with oversight of IHSS funding have now dismissed the administration’s draconian spending cut. IHSS provides personal care and domestic services to more than 375,000 people with disabilities, including seniors. The program saves taxpayers millions of dollars every year by helping Californians who need assistance to live at home, avoiding costly long-term care institutions.

"Today, the Senate Budget Committee did the right thing in repudiating Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposal to freeze state participation in IHSS wages and benefits," said Bernadette Lynch, President of the California Association of Public Authorities. "This vote shows support for the 375,000 Californians who lovingly care for our most vulnerable citizens – the elderly and disabled."

"The lives of these Californians, who struggle to survive in this high-cost state on minimal incomes, should always be a top priority for California lawmakers overseeing state spending," said Herb Meyer, a conservative recipient of IHSS services. "We are happy to see the Legislature expose this proposal for what it is: a hopeless trick aimed at Californians who deserve more respect from this Governor."

As proposed, Schwarzenegger's budget plan would limit state participation in wages and benefits for home care workers. County government costs could double or triple expenditures to fill the gap of state funding and keep the IHSS program in place. The Schwarzenegger Administration has refused to tell reporters how much the IHSS funding freeze would cost the state.