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Caregivers press Shasta supervisors for higher IHSS pay and program support
Summary
Dozens of In‑Home Supportive Services caregivers and supporters urged the board to raise wages and strengthen the IHSS program, describing long hours, multiple jobs, housing insecurity and program reliance; speakers asked the board to prioritize funding and to push state and federal officials for continued support.
An extended public-comment period at the April 8 Shasta County Board meeting focused on the wages and working conditions of In‑Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caregivers.
Multiple caregivers described holding multiple jobs and working long hours to provide care for seniors and disabled residents. Speakers said that IHSS enables many recipients to remain at home and warned that inadequate pay forces caregivers to reduce hours or leave the program. One speaker identified herself as on the bargaining team and cited a local membership figure of about 4,200 providers; other speakers cited survey figures about housing and food insecurity among providers.
Speakers asked the board to prioritize funding for IHSS and to use the county’s influence with state and federal officials to protect the program. No formal wage change or contract was adopted at the meeting; supervisors acknowledged the concerns and said staff would continue negotiations and review funding options.
Representative public comments included: “We’re asking for a livable wage that will help keep the roof over our heads and feed our families,” and descriptions of caregivers who cannot afford basic groceries or housing while providing essential home care.
The board did not take final action on wages at the meeting; negotiations and budget work were discussed as ongoing.
