IHSS Cuts; Don't be Fooled Again

We Must Not Be Silent...

Demand that your legislators be accountable and stand up to the governor and his bad ideas.

Please send this email; personalizing it with your own circumstances will make it even more effective.

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

In his new budget proposal, the governor calls for the elimination of the IHSS homecare program, one of the most valuable, cost-effective programs in state government.

Last year, the governor--with the help of the state legislature--eliminated or severely cut IHSS services to more than 100,000 low-income elderly, blind and disabled Californians, including your constituents.  And despite our serious budget problems, you and your colleagues approved a multi-million-dollar "anti-fraud" campaign that demonizes home care recipients and those who care for them--even though there is no proof that fraud in IHSS is widespread.

Last fall, Federal courts halted these cuts temporarily, because they may violate Federal law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Yet the governor proposes more of the same this year.

We all know that California is in trouble and that tough budget choices are required.  But this "solution" will cost taxpayers more than the problem.  62% of the funding for IHSS comes in to the state from the federal government.  In cutting the program you are leaving hundreds of millions of dollars on the table.  Additionally, if thousands of disabled and elderly who no longer have these essential services end up in emergency clinics and institutions, it will cost taxpayers billions more than IHSS.

And despite the governor's emphasis on "jobs, jobs, jobs," eliminating IHSS will throw more than 350,000 low-wage homecare providers out of work, increasing the state unemployment rate to more than 14 percent and hurting the local businesses that providers patronize.

As your constituent, I expect you to stand up to the governor and his bad ideas this year.  I expect you come up with some real budget solutions rather than accepting a take-it-or-leave-it budget dictated by the governor and legislative leaders.

You may have to reinstate the vehicle registration tax that the governor so unwisely removed.  You may have to tax the wealthy and the oil companies so they are paying their fair share.  You may need to come up with other creative solutions.  THAT IS YOUR JOB.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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Your Assemblyperson (if you live in California)
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cc: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (if you live in California)

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