IHSS Advisory Committee Chair! This is what keeps me busy!

I'm the Chairwoman of the Advisory Committee for Solano Counties In Home Supportive Services and Public Authority.  We put out a newsletter 3 times a year and this year (2011) we added "Always Looking Up - Comments from the Advisory Committee Chair.  This is what I wrote:  I hope everyone had a Happy Holiday Season and are looking forward to a wonderful new year!  I wanted you all to know what the Advisory Committee has been up to in 2010 and tell you what some of ours plans are for 2011.  

First and Foremost, we have been actively involved both at the County and State level, trying to keep provider wages at the current rate.  Provider wages have so far been spared, but consumer hours were cut by 3.6% across the board.  IHSS provider wages are near and dear to my heart - currently I have 5  wonderful providers and it is important to me that all providers receive a living wage!

To advocate on behalf of a living wage for providers, we spoke in front of The Solano County Board of Supervisors, we recently met with Supervisors individually and we met with Assembly member Mariko Yamada in her office at the state Capitol.  We attended a Senate budget hearing when there were talks of cutting provider wage to minimum wage and attended Capitol Action Days in May.

Currently we are in the process of planning this years Spring Conference set for April 20th,   "Simple Lifestyle Changes to keep Moving Forward" and I hope you will all attend!  Keep your eyes open for further information!

Lastly I invite all consumers, providers and family members to attend our Advisory Committee meetings on the third Monday of every month, with a few exceptions.  We meet from 2 - 4 in Fairfield.  We are your voice so we would love to hear from you.

Remember to "Always Look Up" Keep smiling and God Bless!

-Donna Brown