From Doug Moore, Executive Director UDW Homecare Providers Union:

“It is critical to find the needed revenue to allow IHSS to keep serving the people of California. We are pleased that Gov. Brown has pledged to seek that revenue instead of agreeing to a so-called ‘all cuts’ budget that would have disastrous consequences for the people of our state.

With serious cutbacks or complete elimination of many home and community based services, IHSS is becoming the only viable option for the elderly and people with disabilities who want to stay out of nursing homes. Since nursing home care costs at least five times more than home care, IHSS is also an option that saves taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

Throughout the years, Republicans like Ronald Reagan (who signed IHSS into law), Pete Wilson (who gave UDW its first contract), Bonnie Garcia (who partnered with UDW to secure direct deposit for home care workers), and many others have supported this program.

That’s why we are optimistic that Assembly and Senate Republicans—who represent tens of thousands of UDW members and those for whom they care–will continue their party’s history of support for IHSS, which has proven to be cost-effective and a good use of taxpayer dollars.”  Read UDW Overview of Budget Revise