Body of News Release
JUNE 4 UPDATE -- The Board of Supervisors approved this funding allotment.
San Rafael, CA – The Marin County Board of Supervisors is scheduled June 4 to consider authorizing the County Executive to certify funding for a new multiyear agreement on a wage increase for workers who provide in-home support for people who are aged, blind, disabled, and at risk of placement in a skilled nursing facility.
The Board will consider approving $704,000 in new ongoing funding for the agreement that would boost hourly wages for more than 2,000 professionals who work in Marin homes assisting those in need with day-to-day tasks. This would be in addition to $250,000 approved last November to fund the current $18.00 per hour wage. If approved June 4, the new $19 hourly rate as of August 2024, a 12% increase from December 2023 wages, would affect a workforce that is predominantly female (77%) and people of color (over 80%).
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Public Authority (Authority) and SEIU-Local 2015 (SEIU) ratified a tentative agreement May 17, 2024. The agreement would boost wages to $19.00 per hour effective August 1, 2024 – with additional 25 cent per hour increases effective February 2025 and February 2026. Combining scheduled wage increases with anticipated minimum wage increases and wage supplements, rates are expected to reach $20.50 in the third year of the agreement and $21.00 per hour by January 1, 2027. The full rate schedule is part of the staff report.
California's IHSS program is a state entitlement program funded by state, federal, and county dollars. In Marin, health benefits and wages for IHSS providers are governed by agreement between the Authority and SEIU, in consultation with the County, which certifies available funds. The federal government pays half of IHSS wages. Of the remaining half, the state is responsible for 65% and the County of Marin handles 35%.
The agreement also includes new funding for one-time incentives to attract and retain registered IHSS care providers who are matched with eligible recipients often most in need of more intensive care. The pilot incentive program also provides additional funds for providers who travel to reach non-family clients in West Marin. Traditionally, the Marin IHSS Public Authority has had a shortage of workers because of the demands of an older population. Marin’s median age is higher than most California counties; almost one-third of its residents are age 60 or older.
“I’m pleased to see this contract come to our Board for consideration,” said Board President Dennis Rodoni. “We know how hard IHSS providers work in Marin, and I’m particularly pleased to see some new one-time incentives aimed at attracting and retaining registry providers.”
The IHSS Public Authority was established by the Board of Supervisors in 2002 to work closely with the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The authority’s mission is for the recipients to “remain independent and safe in their home and community for as long as possible with the assistance of caring, qualified, and valued caregivers.”
Staff from the Office of the County Executive said the new recommended wage would make Marin more competitive with comparison counties.
“This agreement goes beyond the 35% non-federal county share,” said Dan Eilerman, Assistant County Executive. While the state formula allowed the Authority and SEIU a total of $1.83 per hour of wage and benefit increase within the state formula, this agreement requires the County to fund a $2.05 increase over the term of the agreement. The 22 cent overage comes at significant additional cost as the County must fund 100% of the non-federal cost above the limit.
The June 4 Board of Supervisors meeting is to begin at 9 AM. Instructions are online for participants to speak during the meeting.