Informational Hearing: Testimony of Dr. Leslie Hendrickson before joint subcommittee, speaks about the value of IHSS homecare relative to expenditures on nursing home care. Read the rest of this entry »
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A Report by UDW Homecare Providers Union
April 2011
Also See: UDW Response Letter to CDSS
Background
In July 2009, then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, joined by several county District Attorneys and staff from the Department of Social Services, held a press briefing in Sacramento. During the briefing, Gov. Schwarzenegger declared that there was a fraud epidemic in the In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program and that the rate of fraud in the program was 25 percent or more. Following the press briefing, the Sacramento Bee accused the governor of: “Spouting misleading rhetoric about waste and fraud”, while the San Jose Mercury-News called his allegations: “phantom claims.” Read the rest of this entry »
Published in the Online Monthly Review
by Steve Early
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is not alone in bashing public employees these days. In the view of his fellow GOP governor, Mitch Daniels from Indiana, a possible presidential candidate next year, collective bargaining has transformed civil servants into “a new privileged class.” For right-wing Republican governors and legislators, the solution to state and local government budget problems is to strip these “privileged” workers of negotiating rights while cutting their existing pay and benefits. Meanwhile, in states like Massachusetts and New York, centrist Democrats are also seeking contract concessions and curbs on the scope of bargaining. Read the rest of this entry »
In 2009, as part of the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in the case of Olmstead v. L.C., President Barack Obama launched “The Year of Community Living.” In response, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) established the Community Living Initiative to identify and promote ways to improve access to housing, community supports, and independent living arrangements for individuals with disabilities and older adults. As part of this initiative, HHS held stakeholder dialogues and listening sessions in 2010 with state and local officials, consumers, service providers, advocates, and other critical stakeholders. Sessions were held in CA, MA, VA and NC where stakeholders shared issues and challenges. Read the Stakeholder Dialogues Summary Report at: http://www.hhs.gov/od/community/stakeholders_summary_report.html
Letters: caregiver program
San Diego Union-Tribune
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Support program under scrutiny
As the article “Report: Caregiver program ripe for abuse” (Local, April 20) stated, In-Home Supportive Services Program helps thousands of handicapped people throughout California. My daughter is one. She is 23 and was born with a very rare syndrome that has left her incapable of caring for herself. She lives at home with us, her parents. It is difficult, but it is manageable with services like In-Home Supportive Services. If our daughter was not living with us and in a “home,” the state would be paying close to $10,000 a month for her care. Read the rest of this entry »
SacBee/Opinions/Editorials
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Should state or local investigators be allowed to make unannounced visits to the homes of disabled elderly and frail people who are receiving government-paid In-Home Supportive Services benefits?
A state law approved last year as part of the state budget allows for such visits, but advocates for the disabled are balking at the prospect, with some justification. As they establish protocols for such visits, state health and welfare officials would be wise to heed their concerns.It is indisputable that the In-Home Supportive Services program is uniquely vulnerable to fraud. The employers of IHSS workers are, by definition, frail elderly and/or disabled, so much so that they are unable to perform the basic functions of daily life – such as bathing, dressing cooking and cleaning – without assistance. Read the rest of this entry »
A state law approved last year as part of the state budget allows for such visits, but advocates for the disabled are balking at the prospect, with some justification. As they establish protocols for such visits, state health and welfare officials would be wise to heed their concerns.It is indisputable that the In-Home Supportive Services program is uniquely vulnerable to fraud. The employers of IHSS workers are, by definition, frail elderly and/or disabled, so much so that they are unable to perform the basic functions of daily life – such as bathing, dressing cooking and cleaning – without assistance. Read the rest of this entry »
By ROBIN EPLEY-Staff Writer, Chico ER
April 23, 2011
April 23, 2011
CHICO — Hundreds of locals gathered at City Plaza on Saturday to show solidarity with the workers in the Wisconsin protests and to educate people on the importance of unions.
Among the many groups gathered were the Brotherhood of Teamsters, Brotherhood of Carpenters, American Civil Liberties Union, The Central Labor Council of Butte and Glenn Counties, and the California Teachers’ Association. Read the rest of this entry »
Many of the IHSS consumers and providers who participated in the April 19th public meeting on IHSS anti-fraud activities expressed strong feelings about being explicitly excluded from the process of developing policies regarding fraud investigations and unannounced home visits. They alleged that the current workgroups shaping these policies are being dominated by law enforcement representatives. They also provided examples of serious abuses by fraud investigators in certain counties. Read the rest of this entry »
For Immediate Release
Contact: Steve Mehlman, Communications Director
916-583-7002, 916-804-2569 (cell)
Sacramento (April 19) – A statewide program enacted during the Schwarzenegger Administration to investigate fraud in the In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program is wasteful and duplicative and has spawned abuse by investigators, according to witnesses at a Department of Social Services stakeholders meeting here today. Read the rest of this entry »
Legislation that would repeal the law passed in 2009 requiring fingerprinting of IHSS consumers and providers has been approved by the State Senate by a vote of 23-16, with one abstention. The bill is SB 930, introduced by State Senator Noreen Evans (D-District 2) and cosponsored by UDW. The legislation now goes to the State Assembly, where it will be referred to a policy committee. Here’s the rollcall vote on the bill.
In 2009, Governor Schwarzenegger persuaded the Legislature to adopt the “IHSS Anti-Fraud Initiative”. Among the law’s provisions were requirements that (1) all IHSS consumers be fingerprinted, (2) the fingerprints of consumers and providers be placed on each IHSS timesheet, and (3) providers are prohibited from using Post Office Boxes as mailing addresses on IHSS forms. Read the rest of this entry »
- Les Beck is a member of UDW, cares for his sister, Connie, who’s been almost totally blind since she was 18. PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER
Down with unions.
Long live unions.
Those two sentiments represent just about all you hear when you turn on the TV news or pick up a newspaper. Whether it’s the battles raging over union rights in Wisconsin or local fire and police unions facing off with the chamber of commerce, it’s easy to fall into the clichés peddled by both sides of the red and blue divide.
While government unions get a lot of press, most others operate out of the public eye; they represent workers that contribute to our lives in ways that are vital to modern life but are rarely acknowledged or even recognized. Read the rest of this entry »
CDCAN Report #090-2011 – APRIL 14, 2011 – THURSDAY
CALIFORNIA DISABILITY COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK
WEBSITE: www.cdcan.us TWITTER: www.twitter.com – “MartyOmoto”
State Budget Crisis
Senate President Pro Tem Steinberg Says Assembly and State Senate In Agreement That “All Cuts Budget” Is “Last Resort” But That Legislature and Governor Have Only Two Choices Left: Revenues or “All Cuts”; Senate Republicans Say Other Reduction Options Exist Including Spending Cap; Senate Budget Committee Will Hold At Least 3 More Info Hearings In Ontario, Fresno and Possibly San Jose area Read the rest of this entry »
- Les Beck is a member of UDW, cares for his sister, Connie, who’s been almost totally blind since she was 18. PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER
UDW Provider Les Beck, San Luis Obispo Vice-Chair was interviewed for SLO New Times article “State of the unions.” Thursday, April 14, 2011
While government unions get a lot of press, most others operate out of the public eye; they represent workers that contribute to our lives in ways that are vital to modern life but are rarely acknowledged or even recognized.
The union goes to bat for you,” Les said. “They fight for better wages and benefits.”
As Les talked more about the union, it began to become clear that his enthusiasm for the organization is about more than protecting the rights of providers; it’s about protecting his sister and the program that lets her lead a life she can call her own. >> read entire article – click here!
Join Personal Assistance Services Council (PASC) for a free teleconference about In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) including:
- how hours are determined
- what services are provided
- how to prepare for your assessment
- how to file an appeal and ensure you get the care that you need Read the rest of this entry »
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is conducting a public meeting to share the progress and initial recommendations of the In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention State and County Government Workgroup — and obtain public input.
UDW encourages consumers and providers of IHSS to take part in this call.
- The stakeholder meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- The meeting will be at the Secretary of State’s office, 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA.
- Conference Call-in number: 1-800-230-1074
(Phone lines open at 1:15pm)
CDCAN Report #089-2011 – APRIL 13, 2011 – EARLY WEDNESDAY AM
State Budget Crisis
ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATS WILL HOLD BUDGET SUMMITS ACROSS STATE FOCUSING ON NEED FOR “BALANCED APPROACH” TO CLOSING BUDGET DEFICIT BY JUNE 15 DEADLINE
Assembly Speaker Perez Urges Assembly Republicans To Put Forward Proposals Or Support Governor’s Plan on Revenues To Avoid “All Cuts” Budget – Assembly Republicans Refute Claim That More Revenues Are Needed To Balance Budget – State Senate Democrats Will Continue Informational Hearings by Full Senate Budget Committee on Possible “All Cuts” Budget If Governor’s Revenue Proposals Are Not Included In Final Budget Plan Read the rest of this entry »
– UDW, WORKING HARD FOR YOU –
Effective April 1, 2011, IHSS providers in Riverside County began receiving the hourly rate of $11.50.
This wage increase for Riverside County IHSS providers was included in the contract negotiated by the UDW bargaining committee and ratified by the membership in 2007. As you may recall, wage increases were subsequently suspended due to Gov. Schwarzenegger’s attempt to mandate reductions in the State’s contribution to wages, which resulted in litigation and a subsequent court injunction.
The State has now approved the rate change and completed all system modifications required to increase the rate from $10.25 to $11.50 per hour, as stated in our contract. More than 15,000 providers began to receive their wages at the new level beginning this month.
We’d like to thank the Riverside County Board of Supervisors for recognizing that care providers do an important job and need a living wage.
- Lead negotiators on both sides of the table reach agreement on contract in 2007: left; Curt Ostrander UDW/AFSCME; right Lisa Piña Human Resources Manager, Riverside County
- UDW Homecare providers rallied in front of the SLO library, April 8, 2011 -UDW members who participated: -(left to right) Chapter Chair, Allene Villa; Les Beck, San Luis Obispo Vice-Chair (with hat); AIM Local Leader, holding sign: Martha Arrellanes
Carrying signs that held such sentiments as “SLO values its children,” and “Budget Cuts Hurt the Wounded,” the protesters argued that budget reductions already enacted will damage the disabled. >> read the rest of story.
UDW Orange County holds big rally in Santa Ana April 4th
Throughout California and across the nation, thousands of working Americans came together on April 4th to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King (who was murdered on April 4, 1968) and to show solidarity with public service workers in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana and elsewhere who are losing their rights to bargain collectively for their wages and working conditions. UDW sponsored and participated in candlelight vigils, rallies and other events in San Diego, Orange County, Riverside, Merced, Bakersfield. Modesto and Sacramento. Below are some photos from the Orange County rally. Read the rest of this entry »
CDCAN DISABILITY RIGHTS REPORT
#088-2011 – APRIL 8, 2011 – EARLY FRIDAY AM
CALIFORNIA DISABILITY COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK
WEBSITE: www.cdcan.us TWITTER: www.twitter.com – “MartyOmoto”
State Budget Crisis
STATE SENATE BUDGET COMMITTEE HOLDS INFO HEARING ON BUDGET CRISIS – WILL BEGIN LOOKING AT $15 BILLION IN ADDITIONAL SPENDING CUTS Read the rest of this entry »
Riverside members are learning how they can empower their clients, improve job security, and support the IHSS community through political action.
Political Training Workshops – contact UDW Riverside County and get involved! Read the rest of this entry »
Kern Members have joined together in learning how they can empower their clients, improve job security, and support the IHSS community through political action.
Political Training Workshops – contact UDW Kern County and get involved!
VIDEO: NEWS COVERAGE OF APRIL 4th RALLY IN KERN
Rally on April 04, in Solidarity for the Day of Action to support our working brothers and sisters in Wisconsin along with other local organizations.
In-home service workers targeted for cuts
Orange County Register
Updated March 29, 2011
As Gov. Jerry Brown and state lawmakers look for places to cut in the state’s $85 billion budget, a popular program that provides in-home services for hundreds of thousands of disabled and elderly Californians has become a natural target.
The In-Home Supportive Services program is the fastest growing major social program in state government. Democrats defend it as a humane and cost-effective way to keep people living independently rather than in more costly nursing homes. But Republicans have questioned the program’s policy of paying relatives to care for their loved ones and have suggested that the program is rife with fraud. Read the rest of this entry »
Homecare & IHSS News
- US Supreme Court Decision on 3 Medi-Cal Cases 20 Page Opinion
- US Supreme Court Sends Back to Lower Federal Appeals Court 3 Medi-Cal Lawsuits for Further Review
- STATE TO CONTINUE ADHC PROGRAM THROUGH MARCH
State Budget News
- Updated Schedule of Budget Hearings
- Brown Administration Releases Budget Related Language Proposing Expansion of Managed Care for Medicare Medi-Cal “Dual-Eligible”
- SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS & HEARINGS Impacting People With Disabilities, Mental Health Needs, The Blind, Seniors & Low Income Families
UDW Stories & Events
Editorials
- Dan Morain: ‘Reform’ initiative wears a soiled white hat
- In-home health care a bargain for taxpayers
- Public or Private: Unemployment Hurts the Economy
Provider/Consumer Stories
- Former UCLA Student Fights Budget Cuts to Disabled and Elderly
- Mike Tharp: They thought she would be a vegetable
- Disability & Civil Rights Advocate Ed Roberts “Father of Independent Living Movement” to be Iinducted Into California Hall of Fame
Featured Videos
- The Truth About Budget Cuts
- Impact of IHSS on long term care in California
- Michael Moore in Wisconsin: “America is NOT broke”
Counties
- Pro-Worker candidates are five-for-five in N.H.
- Mich. prison privatization bill in legislative limbo
- Wisconsin's working class heroes use new technology to organize
- What Public Service Workers Do
- Right to Work is Wrong for the Midwest
- Senate says no to cash for criminals in the Sunshine State
- San Jose Mayor needs a math lesson; pension shortfall greatly exaggerated
Featured Video
Upcoming Events
Recent News
- Pro-Worker candidates are five-for-five in N.H.
- US Supreme Court Decision on 3 Medi-Cal Cases 20 Page Opinion
- US Supreme Court Sends Back to Lower Federal Appeals Court 3 Medi-Cal Lawsuits for Further Review
- Mich. Prison Privatization Bill in Legislative Limbo
- STATE TO CONTINUE ADHC PROGRAM THROUGH MARCH
Popular Content
- Gov. Brown proposes nearly $500 million cut in IHSS
- Urgent: Action Steps for UDW Homecare Providers
- State Plans to spend millions to photograph IHSS consumers despite lack of authority or proof of widespread fraud
- Open Letter to UDW Members Regarding your Union Dues
- IHSS Recipients Face 3.6% Cut in Hours Feb. 1
Recent Tweets
- OPINION | Peterson’s win is D.C. sports story of the year http://t.co/ff21UOSI 2011-12-13
- Tell Governor Brown: No More Cuts to IHSS - FAX the Governor directly and tell him what you think! #UDW - http://t.co/fRYQB9B - Pls RT 2011-06-21
- @healthaccess @ShaneGoldmacher Fed govt is promoting home\community based care over nursing homes. Why isn'tCA? 2011-05-16
- Hey, @pecom_news @jimmiller2 if you want real life stories from Riverside, let me know Nine168042569 2011-05-16
- test 2011-01-16
- More updates...
