The IHSS Coalition is preparing for an even more grueling budget battle than last year.  The governor tried to eliminate up to 90% from the IHSS roles last summer.  Democrats in both houses may have prevented that from happening, but still used the program as a bargaining chip to make themselves appear conciliatory. In the end, tens of thousands still lost access to homecare that maximized their independence and dignity.  Thousands more hang in the balance until numerous lawsuits run their course. 

It is up to consumers, providers and advocates to take the lead in the 2010 budget battle.  We no longer can make the assumption (as in years past) that Democrats are always in our corner; the events of summer 2009 clarified that point.  The responsibility is ours to make our own case as strongly as possible.  We cannot sit idly by and hope someone else writes a letter or attends a rally.  Everyone must be actively on board if our state's progressive, cost-effective homecare program is to survive.  We must broaden our discussion on state funding, going beyond the need for more balanced taxation.  The topics must include revenue sources, where funds collected can be dedicated for a specific purpose. 

The coalition needs personal stories that reflect the critical issues affecting the lives of consumers using IHSS--if you've been dropped from the program, if you've suffered difficulty hiring the provider of your choice due to new restrictions, any instances of unannounced home visits or other problems with aggressive anti-fraud investigation.  Stories should be as brief as possible, and have contact information for you.  Confidentiality is our priority, with the understanding these are only to be used for sharing with state legislators in order to better educate them on these vital issues.

Download PDF form here.

Submissions may be made to webmaster@ihsscoalition.org