On Wednesday, the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services held its second hearing on the Governor’s action which eliminates the In-Home Support Services (IHSS) Maintenance of Effort (MOE).  This change is estimated to shift an additional $623 million in costs to counties in the upcoming fiscal year.  Subcommittee staff again outlined recommendations aimed at mitigating the impacts upon counties if the Governor’s actions proceed.  

RCRC staff, along with the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), the County Welfare Directors Association, and the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, continued to voice opposition to the Governor’s action in early January to eliminate the MOE; however, all organizations expressed appreciation for the Assembly's commitment to address the impacts of the cost shift to counties.  The Subcommittee voted 4-0 to pass the proposal out of committee.  This item remains open in the Senate Budget Subcommittees on Health and Human Services.

CSAC, on behalf of the county organizations, is continuing discussions with the Department of Finance on possible options to the Governor's action to shift costs.  If a compromise is reached with the Administration, it is expected that a new IHSS cost structure may be proposed in the Governor's May Revision.  RCRC continues to make this issue a priority in its advocacy efforts.