Lancaster, Sylmar Forum Attendants Send Cameron Smyth Message Against IHSS Cuts

Hundreds gather to find out what they can do to stop the cuts

July 1, 2008
Seniors, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers, joined with concerned and activist Californians today to denounce Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposed cuts to programs that serve the elderly and disabled. In two community forums held simultaneously and connected via video conference, more than 200 residents spoke out against the cuts to Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Payment (SSI/SSP) grants and In-Home Supportive Services (homecare).

Residents also wrote postcards and sent e-mails to Assembly member Cameron Symth, asking him to vote no on the Governor's proposed cuts.

SEIU-ULTCW member Marcalye Binkly told the audience that she 20 years ago her life changed. The now 40-year-old paraplegic fell out of a two story window and needed round-the-clock care. She quick her job at Los Angeles Unified School District and has been       caring for him ever since.

"These attacks on sick and people with disabilities are disgusting. These cuts are an insult to anyone that can't help themselves," she said. "We must do whatever we can. Stand up for the people you take care of!"

"I'm asking the Governor and Assembly member Symth to look deep inside themselves,"  she continued. "Is this really what you want to do?"

Representatives from Assembly members Filipe Fuentes and Alex Padilla joined residents, both noting that the elected officials stand with caregivers and recipients in opposing the cuts to IHSS and Medi-Cal.

The Lancaster and Sylmar forums were two of seven co-hosted by SEIU-ULTCW. The final forum will take place Thursday, July 3 in Thousand Oaks, Calif. at the Grant R. Brimhall Library (Marvin E. Smith Community Room) 1401 East Janss Road from 3-5pm.

Check out the Antelope Valley Press coverage here.


Moderator Brenda Premo explains the basics of the proposed IHSS cuts to a Sylmar audience.


A SEIU-ULTCW representative encourages residents to write Assembley member Carmeron Symth against the cuts.


A IHSS recipient angrily questions why the Governor has chosen to attack California's most in need, while giving large tax breaks to the wealthy.


SEIU-ULTCW member Luiz Antonio Moralez works with a Union staffer and a translator to send Symth an e-mail. Moralez told the Assembly member, "cutting benefits to elderly is a crime to humanity."