Take Action Now!

Urgent Action Item: Contact the Chairs of the California State Senate and Assembly Budget Committees today and tell them you support Assemblymember Chris Holden’s proposal to add $25 million to the DDS budget to assist service providers in high cost regions to meet the escalating costs for labor and other essential operations.

Background: Since the rates paid by the State of California to providers of intellectual and developmental disabilities services were frozen in 2003, they have increased by only 7% by the end of 2017 while the cost of operations has risen by more than 70%. The governor’s current state budget proposal for FY 2019 not only proposes no increases for Intellectual and Developmental Disability services, but also proposes cuts through mandated provider furlough days.

The impact of rate stagnation is profound. Service providers in places like the San Francisco Bay Area, including Las Trampas, struggle to provide competitive wages in a labor market where the cost of living is skyrocketing. Assembly member Holden’s proposal would add $25 million to the DDS budget in 2018 to provide some temporary relief for service providers who can document a need for these funds.

Act Now: Customize one of the letters below and fax it to the Chairs of the Budget Committees, or email or call their office at the Capitol. Let them know you support living wages for service providers!

1. Senator Holly Mitchell (Chair):
   • Fax #: (916) 651-4930
   • email
   • Phone: (916) 651-4030
2. Senator Richard Pan:
   • Fax #: (916) 651-4906
   • email
   • Phone: (916) 651-4006
3. Assembly Member: Phil Ting:
   • Fax #: (916) 319-2119
   • email
   • Phone: (916) 319-2019
4. Assembly Member: Dr. Joaquin Arambula
   • Fax #: (91) 319-2131
   • email
   • Phone: (916) 319-2031

Budget request provider support letter.General
Budget request provider support letter.Service provider