On May 16th, Governor Jerry Brown released his revised budget proposal for fiscal year 2011-2012, which includes significant cuts to state funding for IHSS Public Authorities. Public Authorities, such as PASC, operate registry referral services to assist IHSS consumers in locating quality homecare workers, provide training and education for IHSS consumers and workers, represent IHSS consumers for collective bargaining purposes, and serve as a vehicle for IHSS consumers to have their voices heard. In some counties, including L.A., public authorities administer health benefit plans for IHSS homecare workers, provide back-up services for consumers who unexpectedly find themselves without a worker, conduct criminal background checks on IHSS homecare workers, provide information and referral assistance, and provide an array of other support services to assist IHSS consumers and workers with navigating through the IHSS system.
Over the last few years, funding for public authorities has been reduced from a high of approximately $57 million in fiscal year 2008-2009 to $27 million in the current fiscal year. The governor has proposed to lower funding for public authorities to $17 million for fiscal year 2011-2012. If passed, this would mean that funding for public authorities will have been reduced by 69% over the last few years. As a result, many public authorities will have to significantly reduce the services that they provide to consumers and providers, and in some counties, the public authorities may be closed down completely.
PASC is currently collecting information that will show the legislature the importance of the services that public authorities provide for consumers and providers. Please help PASC in our fight to restore funding for public authorities by answering the questions below.