THE CURRENT ISSUE:
Saving Homecare from State Budget Cuts

Why our voices are so important:

The State Budget crisis in California continues.  Despite the election of Jerry Brown as governor,  there will continue to be pressure to cut IHSS in order to reduce the budget deficit.  UDW providers and the people we serve know the truth:  IHSS is one of the most humane, cost-effective programs in state government.  It saves taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars a year over the cost of nursing home care and brings in billions more in Federal matching funds.  Cutting IHSS is penny wise and pound-foolish.  That’s the message we need to bring to our legislators.

CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

 It’s quick, easy and one of the
most effective actions you can take!

Every one of us has state representatives that are supposed to vote on issues in a manner that “represents” their constituents. Most legislators only pay attention to communications from people who are in their district, so when you call they will ask for your address. Use our “Legislator Look-Up” to make sure you are contacting your personal representatives.

If you would rather use the telephone to get your legislators’ contact information, call this organization:
Project Vote Smart: 1-888-868-3762

Make 2 calls (one to your State Senator and one to your Assembly Member) from your cell phone or home phone.  For your call to be most effective, you need to be a registered voter.  If you aren’t, please register now!

Tips on calling your legislator’s office:

• Take 5-10 minutes any time during the day for your call.
• You will probably speak with a staff member; that is normal, and they will convey your message to the legislator.
• Please be respectful and courteous

YOUR TALKING POINTS

“Hello, my name is _________________ and I live in your district. I am asking you to vote against the proposed cuts and changes to the IHSS program.  IHSS services keep Californians safe in their homes and out of an expensive hospital, emergency room, or nursing home. IHSS provides employment to thousands of people and brings in federal dollars. Cutting IHSS will NOT save money, the costs will just be pushed in to other areas and they will be HIGHER. That’s why legislators from both political parties have spoken out against further cuts to IHSS. I urge you to join them in saying no to the cuts and instead promoting alternatives that raise revenue and find savings without cutting these important services.”

Personalize the above message by adding how the cuts will impact you and your family.

WRITE YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

How important is your personal letter?

When an elected official gets a hand-written letter from someone they represent, it is considered that letter represents 500 people who have the same opinion but did not take the time to write.

How to write about the current cuts to IHSS

Home care providers and their clients, family members and supporters can write their legislators using the sample letter below as a guideline. Your letter is more effective when it is hand written. Each person should draft two letters one to their State Assembly Member and one to their State Senator. Also cc all your letters to Governor Jerry Brown.

You can easily get all your legislator contact information by entering your zip code (or address) here.

Sample Letter for Representatives:

You may also use these Talking Points as a guideline

WRITE TO YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER AND COMMENT ONLINE

Another important action you can take is to speak to your community through the media. Remember that IHSS is funded by California taxpayers who often do not know about the program or how important it may be to their own families. Your friends and neighbors may not know that IHSS saves taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars a year compared to the cost of nursing home care. They also may believe the unfair and misleading campaign by the governor and his allies that characterized the IHSS program as having “widespread fraud.” Writing the editor of your local paper or commenting on website’s of newspapers that carry stories about the program are both effective steps you can take.

Check out the various news categories on our Home Page to find stories you can comment on.  When a story is commented on extensively, it will often get picked up and distributed by other media because they know it is a subject that interests people.

How to get a letter published in your local newspaper

• Letters to the editor should be short and focused; call the newspaper for submission guidelines and follow them.  Don’t exceed the maximum word count or ignore the stated rules.
• Read other letters that have been printed in the publication to get an idea of what kind of writing is most likely to get accepted.
• Don’t assume your readers already know about your efforts or who you are.  use the first paragraph of the letter to give a brief recap on what you want, and why you want it.
• Write your piece as objectively and rationally as possible.  As an advocate for home care workers or clients, feel free to write from personal experience once you have established the major points of your letter.
• Take issue, but never take a “cheap shot” at those who disagree with your point of view.
• Use creative and vigorous language to get your point across.
• Whether you send a typed letter through the mail or submit it by email, check for grammar and spelling.  Editors see many letters each day.  They are much more likely to read and use those that are concise and legible.

You may use these Talking Points as a guideline.