| Do you have questions about PASC and the IHSS Program? Do you have suggestions for topics to be covered in the PASC E-News? Send your questions and suggestions to e-news@pascla.org. PASC E-News is designed for you to get the information that you need! |
| Update on Governor's Proposed Program Cuts |
Last month, we reported that Governor Schwarzenegger's proposed state budget for fiscal year 2008-2009 includes cuts to the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program. If passed in its current form, the Governor's proposal would cut $110 million from IHSS by reducing hours authorized for non-medical domestic and related services to recipients by 18%. The proposal would also cut $10.2 million from funds used for county administration of the IHSS Program.
The Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO), California's Nonpartisan Fiscal and Policy Advisor, has recently released their Analysis of the Governor's Proposed budget. This report describes in detail the proposed cuts and discusses the impact they will have on both the community and the State's financial standing. To view the LAO's full report, visit their website at www.lao.ca.gov. To view the section of the report that relates to IHSS, click here. |
| Stroke Prevention Part I: Knowing the Risk |
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A stroke occurs when there is an interruption of blood flow to the brain, which prevents it from receiving the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly. The most common type of stroke is caused by a blood clot or by the narrowing of an artery leading to or inside the brain.
If you have one or more of these conditions you might be at risk for a Stroke:
Other factors that increase the risk of having a stroke include:
- Smoking
- Age (More than a 1/3 of strokes occur in people under age 65; each decade after 45 the risk doubles)
- Race (Risk of stroke is higher among Latinos and African Americans)
- Heredity (People who have a family history of stroke have a higher risk)
- Medical History (If you have already had a stroke, your risk is 10 times higher than someone who has not previously had a stroke)
In next month's E-News, we will provide you with tips on stroke prevention and information on what to do if you or someone else is having a stroke. In the meantime, visit the Stroke Association of Southern California's website at www.strokesocal.org for additional information. |
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LADWP Refrigerator Replacement |
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Did you know that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has a program where you can recycle your old refrigerator and get a new one at no cost? If you have a refrigerator that is at least 10 years old, you might qualify! LADWP customers must meet the following qualifications in order to be eligible to receive one of the new refrigerators:
- Must be a current participant in the LADWP residential Low Income Discount Rate Program
- Must have a refrigerator that is at least 10 years old and 14.0 cubic feet in volume
- Must have a 3-prong outlet to which the new refrigerator can be connected
- Must be willing to give up their old refrigerator to be environmentally recycled
LADWP customers who are not currently enrolled in the Low Income Discount Rate Program must provide proof of income to apply. The program is on a first come first serve basis and operates until all the refrigerators are distributed. If you have questions on the Low Income Rate or Refrigerator Replacement Programs, please contact DWP Customer Service by phone at 1-800-DIAL-DWP (342-5397) or by e-mail at ccenter@ladwp.com. |
| Resource Spotlight: Bet Tzedek |
Bet Tzedek is an organization that provides free legal services to low-income residents of L.A. County including counseling and representation at trials, administrative hearings, and appeals. Legal assistance is provided in many areas including:
Bet Tzedek does not handle issues related to criminal defense, immigration, or divorce. For further information, call Bet Tzedek at 323-939-0506 or visit their website at www.bettzedek.org. |
| Television is Going Digital |
| On February 18, 2009, the television industry will complete its transition from old-style analog broadcasting to digital. At that time, anyone who does not own a digital television set and still gets their programming via "over - the - air" antenna will no longer receive a picture unless they have a specially equipped converter box. Viewers who have satellite or cable service will not need a box.
The converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70 and will be available at most major electronics retail stores. However, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NITA) is now accepting requests for coupons to help people buy the boxes for older TVs that will not work after the switch to digital broadcasting. The coupons are valued at $40 and each household can request up to two. The first 22 million coupons will go to all households that request them.
To request a coupon, consumers can apply online at: www.dtv2009.gov or can contact the NITA at 888-DTV-2009 (888-388-2009). |
| Upcoming PASC-Sponsored Trainings
click on training for more information |
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| PASC Legislation Watch
click on bill for more information |
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