Committee backs $435 million IHSS public‑authority grant to fund benefits and staffing

The San Francisco Budget & Finance Committee on April 27 recommended the full Board approve a four‑year grant agreement with the San Francisco In‑Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Public Authority to fund administration of health and dental benefits and program functions.

Jill Nielsen, deputy director for programs at the Human Services Agency, told the committee the contract will support operations of the IHSS public authority, which acts as the employer of record for nearly 24,000 independent providers. Nielsen said the grant funds would support benefits administration, state‑required enrollment services (such as live scan), a mentorship program for consumers and a home‑care registry that connects providers with consumers. The department proposed adding three positions to enhance community outreach and recruitment for the registry.

The Budget and Legislative Analyst reported the contract is a four‑year agreement totaling about $435 million, of which roughly $79 million would be general‑fund and the remainder state and federal funding. The BLA recommended approval.

Committee members emphasized the program’s role in stabilizing care for low‑income individuals with functional needs and noted the post‑pandemic worker shortage. Supervisor Asha Safai and others asked to be added as cosponsors. Eileen Norman, executive director of the IHSS public authority, attended to thank supervisors and discussed the need for expanded recruitment.

The Committee voted to forward the grant agreement to the full Board with a positive recommendation (three ayes). The full Board will consider the agreement at its next available meeting.