Ending the 7% cut to our clients’ hours of care for good
In 2015, we worked together to urge our elected leaders to end the 7% cut, and we were successful when the cuts were ended for one year in the 2015-16 state budget. While we applauded the one-year restoration, we knew we needed to redouble our efforts to finally restore our IHSS clients’ hours for good in 2016.
Last month, when Governor Brown released his proposed 2016-17 budget, I was relieved to see it included restoration of the 7% cut. The method of restoration remains up in the air, but how the cut ends is not as important to caregivers and our clients as making sure it ends for good, no matter what.
We deserve better. Permanently restoring the 7% cut is about dignity and respect. No person should have to make the impossible decision between being bathed or given a meal, because the cut to their hours doesn’t leave them with time for both. This was the harsh reality for many homecare workers and the people we care for during the 7% cut. We can’t go back to that.
To me it’s simple: the 7% cut must be ended permanently, no matter what. This year, we’re not accepting excuses. We will urgently demand dignity for seniors and people with disabilities. Together, we will work together to show our lawmakers that the lives of our IHSS clients matter, and that dignity for seniors and people with disabilities can’t wait.
In solidarity,
Editha Adams, UDW President
UDW President Official Acts, November 2015 – January 2016
Attended Provider Appreciation Events and District Membership Meetings
I attended district membership meetings, as well as Provider Appreciation Month events in November to help honor UDW caregivers. At the meetings, I gave updates on the work we’re doing as a union. And at the Provider Appreciation Month events I was able to help recognize the hard work of caregivers and volunteers.
- El Dorado County Provider Appreciation and membership meeting, November 6
- Imperial County Provider Appreciation and membership meeting, November 12
- San Diego County Provider Appreciation, resource fair, and membership meeting, November 14
- Sutter County Provider Appreciation and membership meeting, November 16
- Stanislaus County Provider Appreciation and membership meeting, November 17
- Madera County Provider Appreciation and membership meeting, November 18
- Riverside County Provider Appreciation and membership meeting, November 20
- Orange County Provider Appreciation and membership meeting, November 21
- Placer County Holiday party and membership meeting, December 1
- Orange County holiday party and membership meeting, December 11
- Santa Barbara County holiday party and membership meeting, December 18
Meetings
UDW Retiree Chapter Meeting, December 17
The committee discussed our 2016 plans for our new UDW Retiree Chapter, including our upcoming convention.
UDW Finance Committee Meeting, January 11
The UDW Finance Committee reviewed the budget, and made a recommendation to UDW Executive Director Doug Moore.
UDW Member Withdrawal Committee Meeting, January 12
The committee implemented new guidelines and appointed Astrid Zuniga as a Committee Chair.
Communications Committee Meeting, January 14
The committee discussed and implemented new guidelines, and I appointed Christine Petraeus as the Communications Committee Chair.
San Diego and Riverside County State Level Bargaining Meeting, January 11 and 13
UDW providers met with the Statewide Authority to propose and discuss ground rules for bargaining for our first IHSS contract with the state. Our next negotiation meeting will be held in February.
UDW Events and Actions
Jingle Bell Run/Walk, December 12
UDW sponsored the 2015 Jingle Bell Run/Walk in San Diego County. My daughter Ellis and I volunteered, and along with about 700 participants, we helped the Arthritis Foundation raise nearly $150,000.
Democratic Club of Santa Maria Valley Holiday Party, December 17
I joined former Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa as a guest of honor at the Democratic Club of Santa Maria Valley Holiday Party. I educated the attendees about UDW and the IHSS program, and shared UDW’s many 2015 accomplishments, as well as our plans for 2016.
