Home‑care providers urge Orange County to move IHSS negotiations and invest in caregivers

Several in‑home support providers and disability advocates used the board’s public‑comment period on May 5 to press for progress in contract negotiations and greater county investment in the IHSS program.

Maricela (UDW member), an IHSS provider and parent of a child with complex needs, told supervisors, "Without this program, families like mine would be left with no real options." She said negotiations have stalled since February and urged the board to "invest in IHSS now." Julie Yip, executive director of OC Autism, and other advocates said cuts or instability in IHSS would force vulnerable residents into institutional care and disrupt families that rely on daily personal care and transportation.

Speakers said providers are underpaid and face economic pressures that threaten retention, and called on the board to prioritize negotiations and funding to stabilize the workforce. "Providers in Orange County cannot afford to stay in this field, and thousands of families are already going without the care they are approved to receive," one commenter said.

What’s next: Advocates asked the board to advance negotiations and to identify budget priorities that shore up IHSS provider pay and program stability before the county adopts its FY 2026–27 budget.