Struggling Caregivers Demand Action Amid Rising Costs
October 23, 2024 | Fresno County, California
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During the meeting, various supervisors shared updates on community events, including a celebration of the sheriff's department's 168th anniversary, which featured employee recognition and community engagement activities. Supervisor Brando highlighted the positive atmosphere of the event, which included food, music, and a raffle for bicycles.
The meeting also included a segment for public comments, where several individuals expressed their concerns regarding the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. Apollonia Valencia shared her struggles with rising living costs and inadequate wages, emphasizing the financial burden of mandatory expenses like car insurance. She called for greater consideration of the needs of service providers in budget discussions.
Joanne Cusimano recounted her personal challenges after her husband was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, detailing the difficulties of managing healthcare appointments while trying to survive on a significantly reduced income. She urged the board to recognize the struggles faced by families in similar situations.
John Grove and Olga Valle also voiced their frustrations, with Grove discussing age discrimination in the job market and Valle criticizing the board for neglecting the needs of IHSS workers. Valle pointed out the irony of the county investing in various programs while failing to support those who provide essential care to vulnerable populations.
The meeting concluded with a call for action from the public, urging the board to prioritize the needs of IHSS workers and their clients, highlighting the broader implications of their struggles on the community.
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