Dozens of in‑home supportive services (IHSS) providers and SEIU 2015 members spoke during Tuesday's public comment period to oppose the county's recent wage counterproposal and to demand a stronger contract and higher wages.

Speakers from across the county — including Mary Grace Barrios, Maria Cibrian, Rafi Bezjan, Rosa Andresen, Carmen Roberts, Anna Lopez, Pearl Gonzales, Renee McClellan, and others — said last week's county counteroffer of "$0" was insulting and left caregivers unable to pay rent, buy groceries or afford medications. "0 doesn't cover rent. 0 doesn't cover groceries," speaker Rosa Andresen said during public comment. Carmen Roberts told the supervisors, "For every $1 in caregiver wages, the county only pays 18¢. The rest is covered by the state and federal government... So when you offer us nothing, you're not saving the county's money. You're making a choice to turn your back on caregivers."

Many speakers thanked Supervisor Holly Mitchell for publicly acknowledging caregivers' contributions in a prior budget hearing, and urged the full board to match that recognition with a binding contract. SEIU members pressed for a meaningful wage increase and expressed frustration that caregivers have been working without a contract for months. "We are LA County's largest low‑wage workforce. You have the power to change that," Carlos Lopez said.

Supervisor comments during the meeting acknowledged the public testimony; the transcripts show the board did not take an immediate vote on a contract during this agenda item. The remarks were recorded during the general public comment period on bargaining/closed session items addressing labor negotiations.

The speakers repeatedly requested concrete action: prioritize IHSS in bargaining, develop a contract with raises that help workers "get by a little easier," and stop offering $0 as a counterproposal. Several speakers said they would continue to organize and attend future meetings until a contract is reached.