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IHSS providers tell Solano supervisors low pay is harming clients; urge higher wages in upcoming contract talks
Summary
Multiple in‑home supportive services (IHSS) providers and union representatives urged the board to negotiate higher pay, saying current wages cause turnover and leave authorized hours unfilled; speakers cited a $17.70/hour prevailing IHSS rate and a $28.22/hour MIT living‑wage benchmark.
Dozens of IHSS caregivers and union leaders told the Solano County Board of Supervisors during a lengthy public‑comment period that low pay is undermining in‑home care and harming county residents who rely on consistent attendant services.
Leticia Guerrero, who identified herself as representing IHSS workers, said higher wages are “essential to retaining skilled and experienced IHSS workers” and cited the MIT living‑wage calculator — “a single adult in Solano County needs to earn $28.22 per hour” — compared with a wage figure used repeatedly by commenters at the meeting: “The current IHSS wage is $17.70 per hour.” Guerrero said raising pay would reduce turnover and unused approved hours, and lower long‑term costs to the county by keeping people safely in their homes.
Several caregivers gave personal examples. Lupe Gutierrez said she cares for a 91‑year‑old relative and works multiple jobs because pay is insufficient; other providers described hospitalizations that occurred when regular home care hours went unfilled. SEIU representatives told the board that IHSS staff are predominantly women and people of color and urged the board to prioritize wages in upcoming contract negotiations.
Board members acknowledged the testimony and said they expect IHSS wages and county contributions to be a subject at bargaining tables. No formal wage change was voted on at the meeting; public testimony was placed on the record for supervisors and staff to consider as negotiations proceed.
