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Community Living Campaign
News from the Networks                                           October 20, 2009
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Hugh Court Victory Monday for IHSS Workers and Consumers
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On Monday, October 19th, the Courts acted to delay implementation of November 1 IHSS Cuts in what amounts to a huge, important victory.   
 
At our IHSS Rally and Press Event this Thursday, October 22 at Noon at City Hall, we will celebrate this victory and re-affirm our commitment to continue organizing to restore and strengthen the IHSS Program. 
 
Continuing legal challenges are being mounted, but at the end of the day, we will win by organizing and staying united to guarantee our right to choose community living where both consumers and providers are treated with respect. 
 
While a critically important victory, this decision does not impact the following state actions... 
   
Share of Cost "Buy-Out" Program - this IHSS program was eliminated effective October 1, 2009 as part of the revised 2009-2010 State Budget agreement passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor in late July.  A separate lawsuit to stop this elimination and to restore it is moving forward, though has not yet been filed.  About 400 San Francisco IHSS recipients impacted and "share of cost assistance" for more future low income recipients gone.
IHSS Public Authority Reduction - the Governor, used his line item veto power in late July, to make  an additional cut of $37,550,000 (beyond cuts and major policy changes already in the revised 2009-2010 budget bill passed in late July by the Legislature) impacting In-Home Supportive Services including an additional  $8,655,000 reduction in funding for IHSS Public Authority Administration.  Two separate - but nearly identical lawsuits - were filed in late August/September including one by Senate President Pro tem Darrell Steinberg (Democrat - Sacramento), though not action has been reported on either.  
IHSS Worker Fingerprinting and Background Checks - notices for this new requirement - part of the revised 2009-2010 State Budget passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor in late July - went out early last week to IHSS workers and recipients.  Any person not yet an IHSS worker before November 1 would have to be fingerprinted and have a background check before they can work and receive any payment.  Persons who are currently an IHSS worker would have until July 1, 2010 to meet this requirement.  A lawsuit by a bay area non-profit legal organization is being seriously considered to stop this requirement.  
IHSS Recipient Fingerprinting and Unannounced Home Visits - notices for this new requirement went out also early last week and was part of the revised 2009-2010 State Budget passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor.  A lawsuit to block this requirement is being seriously considered and could be filed in the next several weeks.  
IHSS Worker Wages  - State Funding Reduction (State Participation) -  The 2009-2010 State Budget passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor in February, included a major reduction in what the State contributes toward IHSS worker wages (the counties and federal government provide the remaining funding) to a maximum of $9.50 per hour plus a maximum of 60 cents for health benefits, scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2009.  This reduction was blocked by a federal lawsuit filed by the unions representing IHSS workers (SEIU and United Domestic Workers of America) with Judge Claudia Wilken issuing an order - a preliminary injunction - that stopped the cut from taking effect.  The State is appealing the ruling to the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.  
 
(Photo and summary by Marty Omoto, CDCAN.) 
RALLY TO SAVE THE IHSS PROGRAM
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IHSS Earthquake

HOMECARE SAVES LIVES AND CREATES JOBS
In-Home Supportive Services help seniors and persons with disabilities remain living safely and with dignity in their own homes and communities.  It also provides meaningful work and jobs with benefits to thousands of IHSS workers, helping them support themselves and their families.  Cutting IHSS amounts to a man made disaster that will destroy the very foundations of community living. This earthquake we can prevent!
 
 RALLY AND PRESS CONFERENCE

Thursday, October 22
Noon to 1:00
SF City Hall Steps
(Polk Street side)

Be Prepared to Help Yourself and Your Neighbors Who are IHSS Recipients and IHSS Workers.  
 
Sponsored by San Francisco's IHSS and Health Task Force and its member groups includes senior and disability services providers, housing providers, labor organizations, advocacy and legal organizations, seniors, persons with disabilities and their supporters.
Help the Community Living Campaign Grow 
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Make a secure donation to the Community Living Campaign at:   
 
http://www.firstgiving.com/communitylivingcampaign 

or send a tax deductible check to the Community Living Campaign, P.O. Box 460400, San Francisco, CA 94109 
 
No money, but want to give your time and talent?  Contact us at (415) 821-1003 or email: info@sfcommunityliving.org.   More information about us is available at www.sfcommunityliving.org.