LAKEPORT— A group of IHSS workers took to the steps of the Lake County Courthouse on Monday to advocate for better wages and benefits for IHSS (In home supportive services) workers throughout the region. Organized by Luisa Acosta, the rally was in support of Assembly Bill 1672 the “Our Care Counts” bill which would allow IHSS providers and employees to negotiate their contracts and wages at a state level instead of the county level.
Leading the chant “Yes we can!” Acosta asked the attending rally members if they were ready to fight for $20 an hour, paid time off and benefits packages, to which they all responded “Yes we can!” IHSS providers work in a person’s home, caring for those who need assistance caring for themselves, and according to data culled from the California Department of Social Services and shared during the event, the workers serve over 700,000 people statewide. Additional information shared at the rally noted that currently 23 counties in California pay IHSS providers less than $1 above minimum wage, including Lake County. IHSS providers also do not currently receive any benefits like health insurance or paid time off.
According to an analysis of the F.Y. 2022-23 state budget by the Legislative Analyst’s Office, analysts found that hourly wages and hours per case generally continue to grow at a rate similar to historical levels. However, they noted that IHSS paid caseload continues to grow at a slower rate relative to pre‑COVID‑19 growth trends.
Acosta stated, “We need better pay. We also need further training. We also need benefits, people need health insurance. If we can get this contract statewide, we’re not ever going to suffer.” Acosta explained the importance of voting in these matters, and urged people to vote yes on AB 1672. District 3 Supervisor Eddie “E.J.” Crandell stopped by and spoke expressing his need to know more about their fight and a willingness to help accomplish their goals in any capacity.
Many providers as well as those receiving in home services were present at the protest, sharing their stories of supplying constant care for loved ones and expressing their needs in order to continue to do so. Local provider Maria Figueroa said, “It’s challenging being an IHSS provider. We don’t have the best pay so I have three jobs. It would be awesome to be with my clients more rather than working. I would love to take on two more clients.”
Many spoke on the need for this service. Twenty year provider Consuelo Rocha added, “I think we all deserve to live with security.” She further shared “It’s rewarding seeing people smile, happy that they can live in their own homes. But we need a raise, we have to take care of our own families too.”
After the rally the group got into vans to join a caravan around the state, first stopping in the Bay Area to continue the rally in front of other state buildings with other IHSS providers from all over California. The caravan began on Sunday May 7 and traveled north, ending at the capitol building in Sacramento today. In total, the caravan’s goal was to visit 11 cities, hoping to spread the message as much as they could.
Chiquita Twyman boarded in Los Angeles Sunday May 7. Twyman is an IHSS provider who cares for her mother in North Hollywood, California. She has been a caregiver since 2008 and enjoys being able to extend a compassionate, helping hand to those she cares for. Inflation is impacting all aspects of our nation’s economy–especially in California–which makes it hard for her to pay for basic essentials like rent, food, and gas. Yet, Twyman said she remains hopeful that IHSS providers bargaining statewide will empower voices up and down the state to negotiate wages compatible with the exploding cost of living in California.
Stephanie Rogers has been an IHSS provider in Los Angeles for over 17 years, she also went on the tour which culminates in Sacramento today. She noted that she experiences joy making her consumer happy through activities like bingo! Living in Los Angeles, she shares the struggle of many IHSS providers who make wages far below the county’s cost of living. Stephanie looks forward to a statewide IHSS bargaining table because it will establish equality across all counties in provider benefits and rates of pay.
