HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-46RESOLUTION NO. 2005-46
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF UKIAH OPPOSING PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE
IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PROGRAM
WHEREAS, since October 2000, wages for In-Home Supportive Services (IHHS)
care Providers in Mendocino County have increased from a minimum wage of $6.75 to the
current rate of $8.50 per hour; and
WHEREAS, due to that increase in care Provider wages, Mendocino County has
seen an upgrade in the quality of care received by In-Home Supportive Services recipients
due to the ability of the Program to attract and retain quality Providers; and
WHEREAS, over 300 IHSS Providers live in Ukiah and work an estimated 18,500
hours per month, earning $157,250 gross monthly. A reduction to minimum wage will
reduce income to Ukiah Providers to $124,875 and constitute a $32,375 monthly loss to
the local economy; and
WHEREAS, with the recent addition of health benefits for IHSS care Providers in
California, workers are staying healthy and keeping their clients healthy because they now
have access to health care and increasing the quality of life for themselves; and
WHEREAS, the affordability of the IHSS Program is underscored by the cost and
availability of the residential care facility beds in Mendocino County, which number 194 with
an 88% occupancy rate, an average cost of $5,000 per month, and the maximum monthly
cost of an IHSS case is $2,405.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ukiah City Council hereby
opposes the Governor's proposals to remove the state contribution to IHSS Provider
benefits and wages above minimum wage.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 20th day of April, 2005, by the following roll call vote'
AYES:
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku
ATTEST:
Marie Ulvila, City Clerk
,~r~k Ashiku, Mayor