Shasta County Supervisors Face Public Outcry Over IHSS Funding Needs

Shasta County's Board of Supervisors meeting on August 26, 2025, highlighted pressing community concerns, particularly regarding the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program and the introduction of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

A significant focus of the meeting was the urgent need for increased funding for the IHSS program, which provides essential care to vulnerable residents. Multiple caregivers voiced their concerns about the challenges they face, including low wages and the inability to recruit enough caregivers. Matthew Van Scotter, an IHSS caregiver for over 12 years, emphasized that adequate funding is crucial not only for the caregivers but also for the patients they serve. He pointed out that without proper support, many patients could end up in care facilities, which would strain local resources and impact the community economically.

Cheryl Olsen, another caregiver, echoed these sentiments, reminding the board that the need for care could one day affect them or their families. She urged the supervisors to consider the long-term implications of their funding decisions, highlighting the disparity between the raises received by board members and the modest increase requested by caregivers.

In a lighter moment, Wendy Dickens introduced an exciting initiative: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which aims to provide free books to children aged 0 to 5 in Shasta County. This program, supported by local organizations, promises to foster early literacy and engagement among young families.

The meeting underscored the critical intersection of health care and community support, with caregivers advocating for their roles in maintaining the well-being of Shasta County residents. As discussions continue, the board faces the challenge of balancing funding across various essential programs while addressing the immediate needs of caregivers and the families they support.