Protect IHSS

A really 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 put forward by those wishing to cut the program, that characterized IHSS as having “widespread fraud.” Writing the editor of your local paper or commenting on the websites 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. 

Social media is also important. Make sure to check us out on Facebook - Like our page, and post your thoughts.

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

Personal Visits or Live Interviews

It’s always a good idea to prepare for “in-person” exchanges with legislators or press interviews that may occur at rallies or other events.  It is not as hard as you might think to get interviews with your local TV station or newspaper; especially if IHSS or budget cuts are currently in the news.  Legislators will usually agree to see you in their local or regional offices; you don’t need to travel to Sacramento to see them.

Here are some guidelines to assist you — remember you can always contact us for help as well:

• If you have an appointment to talk with someone, be on time!
• Decide beforehand what the main point is you want to get across.
• Be brief, and stick to the point (stay “on topic”).
• In tough economic times, every person or program is fighting for “their share” of tax dollars. While it is important to describe the difficulties and challenges you face, make sure to talk about the positive aspects of IHSS. Sell the VIRTUES of the program.
• You can be personal, and even dramatic about your circumstances; both positive and negative.
• Remember IHSS providers – even if they are family members – are not welfare recipients. They do a job that is very important to the community and deserves to be paid for.
• Be respectful; don’t “vent” or name-call.