Caregivers press county to increase IHSS wages as board approves administration MOU

Dozens of caregivers, labor advocates and service‑provider representatives urged the Orange County Board of Supervisors to increase wages and benefits for in‑home supportive services (IHSS) providers as the board approved a memorandum of understanding to establish an IHSS worker registry.

Speakers described the caregiver workforce as undersupplied and underpaid, and urged the county to use available state matching opportunities to raise wages. ‘‘As of July 1 the state of California is committed to participate…up to $20,000,000 in state funding if the IHSS wages are increased in the next 3 years,’’ a public commenter said, and recommended the county invest to unlock federal matching funds.

UC Irvine’s Labor Center also presented research showing a large gap between current IHSS wages and local cost‑of‑living metrics. Multiple speakers warned that diverting funds from prevention toward crisis services would raise the risk of more restrictive placements and court‑involved pathways.

County staff and supervisors clarified that the board’s action was an administrative MOU to create a worker registry — not a wage‑setting action — and approved the MOU. Several supervisors said they would pursue additional funding and policy work with the governor’s office and state legislature to secure parity and to avoid county budget shortfalls if state funding were reduced.

Board members thanked speakers and acknowledged the entrenched workforce challenge; the board voted to approve the MOU and directed staff to continue intergovernmental advocacy and follow‑up on delivery and wage discussions.