Cuts to homecare examined

Blake Herzog, The Desert Sun Saturday December 10, 2011

Coachella — A town hall forum was held Friday here for patients and caregivers facing deep cuts to a state program that helps low-income seniors and disabled residents remain in their homes.

United Domestic Workers of America, a union that represents home health care workers, held a panel discussion that included a representative from state Assemblyman V. Manuel Pérez’s office for people who work for or are served by In Home Supportive Services, which pays workers to help people do their grocery shopping, bathe, go to the bathroom, get to doctor’s appointments and perform other daily tasks. The immediate future is unclear.

U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken issued a temporary restraining order Dec. 2 on the state before it could send notices out to IHSS providers notifying them of a 20 percent cut in hours beginning New Year’s Day. Another hearing is set for Thursday…Read More