Funds will let Yurok Tribe provide child welfare services to members - Times-Standard Online
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Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Protect In-Home Supportive Services
Senator Mark Leno,
As a recipient and a member of the County of Humboldt In-Home Supportive Services Advisory Board I find it difficult to understand how our State can allow elderly and disabled not to have assistance to live independently and at the same time be a part of society.
With recent changes in the IHSS Program the State has spent more money than it has saved! With further discussion taking place it seems the State has targeted only individuals that have no way of defending themselves in keeping needed support to live freely in their own homes.
As an individual I rely on the services for cleaning my home and myself and as I have noticed in the past few months, 35 years in a wheelchair has begin to take a toll on my ability to do little things. Services provided by the IHSS Program being proposed to cut would only lessen my ability to stay in my home and more than likely separate me from immediate members of my family, wife and daughter.
I am one of many that probably feel this way and surely the California Senate Budget Subcommittee can look at other alternatives to saving money besides taking it from programs that create positive society value to out State, assisting the edlerly and individuals with disabilities.
Reconsider cuts to IHSS!
Respectfully,
Charles Bean
As a recipient and a member of the County of Humboldt In-Home Supportive Services Advisory Board I find it difficult to understand how our State can allow elderly and disabled not to have assistance to live independently and at the same time be a part of society.
With recent changes in the IHSS Program the State has spent more money than it has saved! With further discussion taking place it seems the State has targeted only individuals that have no way of defending themselves in keeping needed support to live freely in their own homes.
As an individual I rely on the services for cleaning my home and myself and as I have noticed in the past few months, 35 years in a wheelchair has begin to take a toll on my ability to do little things. Services provided by the IHSS Program being proposed to cut would only lessen my ability to stay in my home and more than likely separate me from immediate members of my family, wife and daughter.
I am one of many that probably feel this way and surely the California Senate Budget Subcommittee can look at other alternatives to saving money besides taking it from programs that create positive society value to out State, assisting the edlerly and individuals with disabilities.
Reconsider cuts to IHSS!
Respectfully,
Charles Bean
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Eureka Housing Authority Inquiry
I have been trying to find housing for my family (wife, daughter and I). My wife and I are both in wheelchairs.
I originally applied through the Eureka Housing Authority for assistance, both Public Housing and Sction 8, November/December 2008.
I was checking on availability of housing this morning and listening to the Authority's recording it was stated that they had one- and two-bedroom accessible units available.
At the end of the recording I was then directed to a representative of the Housing Authority by dailing "0". I inquired about the housing and mentioned what I was in a wheelchair asking about the recording stating there were units available.
The representative responded that they openings with accessible units for wheelchairs put never seem to find individuals needing them. I reafformed that I was in a wheelchair and my wife was as well as I recorded in the original application.
The representative then stated I will note this in the computer that you are in a wheelchair.
Wow! This last remark just blows me away about providing housing to those looking for it and needing accessibility. Needs of the disabled (wheelchair bound) and how to contact them really needs to be demonstrated there at the Housing Authority. You wouldn't happen to have a vacant seat on the Housing Authority Board, would you?
Charlie Bean
I originally applied through the Eureka Housing Authority for assistance, both Public Housing and Sction 8, November/December 2008.
I was checking on availability of housing this morning and listening to the Authority's recording it was stated that they had one- and two-bedroom accessible units available.
At the end of the recording I was then directed to a representative of the Housing Authority by dailing "0". I inquired about the housing and mentioned what I was in a wheelchair asking about the recording stating there were units available.
The representative responded that they openings with accessible units for wheelchairs put never seem to find individuals needing them. I reafformed that I was in a wheelchair and my wife was as well as I recorded in the original application.
The representative then stated I will note this in the computer that you are in a wheelchair.
Wow! This last remark just blows me away about providing housing to those looking for it and needing accessibility. Needs of the disabled (wheelchair bound) and how to contact them really needs to be demonstrated there at the Housing Authority. You wouldn't happen to have a vacant seat on the Housing Authority Board, would you?
Charlie Bean
Saturday, August 22, 2009
IN HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
IN HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICESCLAIMS OF MASSIVE FRAUD ARE BOGUS
By Doug Moore 2:00 a.m. August 21, 2009
In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a vital, cost-effective government program that cares for hundreds of thousands of elderly, blind and disabled Californians in their own homes rather than in far-more-costly nursing homes or other institutions. According to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office, it costs taxpayers at least six times less to care for a person under IHSS than for institutional care.
In recent months, however, partisan ideologues, ambitious district attorneys and even some in the media have engaged in a campaign of misinformation aimed at weakening the program.
They claim that there is “massive” fraud in IHSS. They cite recent grand jury reports expressing concern about the lack of program safeguards. They breathlessly repeat details of individual cases of fraud. Some even imply that there must be fraud in the program because IHSS home care providers are represented by unions.
This smear campaign reached its low point on July 2, when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told a news conference in Sacramento that the IHSS program is “riddled” with fraud. He cited claims that the fraud rate in IHSS was an unbelievable 25 percent. He bragged that eliminating fraud from the program would save “hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars” and help solve the state's budget crisis.
Following the news conference, the IHSS specialist in the Legislative Analysts Office, Virginia Bella, told reporters: “I've never had anyone tell me where that number comes from.” The Sacramento Bee accused the governor of: “Spouting misleading rhetoric about waste and fraud,” while the San Jose Mercury-News called his allegations: “phantom claims.”
Here's why: In Sacramento County during fiscal year 2006-2007, there were fewer than 400 reports of suspected fraud from more than 17,000 IHSS clients. That's a rate of only about two percent. Of these reports, 31 cases were deemed worthy of prosecution. That means the rate of prosecutable fraud in Sacramento County for that year was approximately two-tenths of one percent.
That's hardly a fraud “epidemic.” (Despite this, Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully was an eager participant in the governor's July 2 dog-and-pony show.) In San Bernardino County, a grand jury found approximately 60 fraud cases a year referred by investigators, in a universe of nearly 20,000 IHSS clients. Even if all 60 cases were eventually proven to be fraud, that would represent a rate of three-tenths of one percent. Even the governor's own “Quality Assurance” survey in 2007 found a less than one percent incidence of fraud in IHSS.
Sadly, the state Legislature bought the governor's unsubstantiated fraud claims hook, line and sinker. The regressive and unfair budget agreement passed late last month will throw nearly 100,000 people out of IHSS. But it also brands all the clients and providers who remain in the program as potential “fraud criminals.”
Under the budget agreement, all home care clients and providers must be fingerprinted — only amputees are exempt. It's a wonder the governor and Legislature didn't demand retinal scans for these unfortunates. In addition, all home care workers, most of whom make little more than minimum wage, must obtain criminal background checks at their own expense.
While any fraud in IHSS is wrong and should be punished, the facts show no evidence of “massive” fraud in the program. The projections of budget savings that will come from these so-called anti-fraud provisions are illusory at best. Yet the majority of Democrats in the Legislature chose to serve as enablers for the governor and his right-wing allies rather than showing the moral courage to stand with IHSS consumers and their caregivers.It is a sad day for California when we treat our elderly, blind and disabled citizens, and those who care for them, like common criminals and call it “reform.”
Moore is executive director of the statewide UDW Homecare Providers Union, which is headquartered in San Diego.
By Doug Moore 2:00 a.m. August 21, 2009
In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a vital, cost-effective government program that cares for hundreds of thousands of elderly, blind and disabled Californians in their own homes rather than in far-more-costly nursing homes or other institutions. According to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office, it costs taxpayers at least six times less to care for a person under IHSS than for institutional care.
In recent months, however, partisan ideologues, ambitious district attorneys and even some in the media have engaged in a campaign of misinformation aimed at weakening the program.
They claim that there is “massive” fraud in IHSS. They cite recent grand jury reports expressing concern about the lack of program safeguards. They breathlessly repeat details of individual cases of fraud. Some even imply that there must be fraud in the program because IHSS home care providers are represented by unions.
This smear campaign reached its low point on July 2, when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told a news conference in Sacramento that the IHSS program is “riddled” with fraud. He cited claims that the fraud rate in IHSS was an unbelievable 25 percent. He bragged that eliminating fraud from the program would save “hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars” and help solve the state's budget crisis.
Following the news conference, the IHSS specialist in the Legislative Analysts Office, Virginia Bella, told reporters: “I've never had anyone tell me where that number comes from.” The Sacramento Bee accused the governor of: “Spouting misleading rhetoric about waste and fraud,” while the San Jose Mercury-News called his allegations: “phantom claims.”
Here's why: In Sacramento County during fiscal year 2006-2007, there were fewer than 400 reports of suspected fraud from more than 17,000 IHSS clients. That's a rate of only about two percent. Of these reports, 31 cases were deemed worthy of prosecution. That means the rate of prosecutable fraud in Sacramento County for that year was approximately two-tenths of one percent.
That's hardly a fraud “epidemic.” (Despite this, Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully was an eager participant in the governor's July 2 dog-and-pony show.) In San Bernardino County, a grand jury found approximately 60 fraud cases a year referred by investigators, in a universe of nearly 20,000 IHSS clients. Even if all 60 cases were eventually proven to be fraud, that would represent a rate of three-tenths of one percent. Even the governor's own “Quality Assurance” survey in 2007 found a less than one percent incidence of fraud in IHSS.
Sadly, the state Legislature bought the governor's unsubstantiated fraud claims hook, line and sinker. The regressive and unfair budget agreement passed late last month will throw nearly 100,000 people out of IHSS. But it also brands all the clients and providers who remain in the program as potential “fraud criminals.”
Under the budget agreement, all home care clients and providers must be fingerprinted — only amputees are exempt. It's a wonder the governor and Legislature didn't demand retinal scans for these unfortunates. In addition, all home care workers, most of whom make little more than minimum wage, must obtain criminal background checks at their own expense.
While any fraud in IHSS is wrong and should be punished, the facts show no evidence of “massive” fraud in the program. The projections of budget savings that will come from these so-called anti-fraud provisions are illusory at best. Yet the majority of Democrats in the Legislature chose to serve as enablers for the governor and his right-wing allies rather than showing the moral courage to stand with IHSS consumers and their caregivers.It is a sad day for California when we treat our elderly, blind and disabled citizens, and those who care for them, like common criminals and call it “reform.”
Moore is executive director of the statewide UDW Homecare Providers Union, which is headquartered in San Diego.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
City Council meeting 8/18/09 Public Comments
Hi,
I was listening to your Council Meeting this evening and heard about presenters during the "Public Comment Period" of your agenda that was interesting.
First, I thought it interesting regarding the 14th and Broadway crossing and the signals. As I understand it, this intersection was pointed out as one of concern regarding "Safety" from a study I partially participated in last year.
It was explained to me by a Caltrans Engineer that the signal for crossing the street was set appropriately for pedestrian crossing. When I explained to the engineer that the caution lights flashed prior to me crossing, it was explained that was the way it was supposed to work. This just meant if you were in the crosswalk you needed to get across. It was also explained that it was not right to begin crossing when the caution lights flash.
As an individual using a manual wheelchair, this intersection is one of the most difficult to cross. The crown is steep, three of the curb-cuts are very narrow and the fourth is set back from the road creating further distance to travel. This does not consider the water that sits at the curb-cuts during rain and the roughness of the route that chairs must take, let alone an older individual that is not exactly quick crossing Broadway.
But, I also realize you know this and I have the understanding that Caltrans plans to address this as further development of Broadway is being planned and changed.
***************
The other item that caught my attention was the group from Tri-County Independent Living. This group was just recently formed and has some interesting views. I pretty much agree with most of the thoughts regarding access to various businesses and City facilities that are not accessible (I also understand much can not be done without funding.). But what disturbs me the most are instances such as I presented to the City's Planning Commission a couple of weeks ago (below):
"I realize you may not have anything to do with the new houses built at the very end of 7th Street, particularly the house at 1653 7th Street with a Disabled Parking Space in front of it.
Remembering I am in a wheelchair and when I went past the newly finished homes I noticed the Disabled Parking Space in front of a two story family unit.
I understand that the inside design of these newly finished units are very nice. They have three bedrooms, a master bathroom and a smaller bathroom upstairs, while downstairs there is a small water closet with a toilet, a kitchen, dining and living rooms. Of course, a staircase to get to the second floor is included. (This description comes from a neighbor of the new units.)
I was wondering how an individual confined to a wheelchair would get upstairs. Did they build a ramp? Provide a heavy duty lift? Or did they provide an elevator?
And again, I could be very wrong about the design and layout of the unit built.
I also ask, is the Disabled Parking Space for guests? Or it could be this unit is designed for only ambulatory individuals with disabilities? Of course, this could not be true, because it would be definitely discrimination, yes?
I hope you are smiling and take this with the humor I found in the concern I have for the newly finished units. I know that this could bite the City if you had an individual with a disability wishing to live there because they saw that parking space and discovered it was not designed for a wheelchair.
I also noticed that there is a gate and path from the upper units that provides pedestrian access to 6th Street. The gate and path are not accessible to wheelchairs or many seniors. The gate's handle is too high and the path is made of large cement pads with big gaps in between them sunk in redwood compost, I believe.
Remembering when I first met the planner working on the General Plan, I shared with them how folks built things that supposedly are usable by individuals with disabilities, but in truth were not functional for every day living. This housing project is an example of this. If it is funded with public funds, they should look for advice from individuals like myself or other groups representing people with disabilities. This, I believe could be included in the housing element of the City's General Plan, "Get advice from the user or their community representative."
I admit, I could be wrong in my assumption of the design of the unit I mentioned, but I am very sure of the access provided at the gate.
To correct these kinds of situations from happening, I hope the City looks for more advice from the community of individuals with disabilities. What I described above, I hope is a misunderstanding, but if it isn't, if planners and builders looked for advice from users of accessible needs, much can be saved in the future, yes?
I was listening to your Council Meeting this evening and heard about presenters during the "Public Comment Period" of your agenda that was interesting.
First, I thought it interesting regarding the 14th and Broadway crossing and the signals. As I understand it, this intersection was pointed out as one of concern regarding "Safety" from a study I partially participated in last year.
It was explained to me by a Caltrans Engineer that the signal for crossing the street was set appropriately for pedestrian crossing. When I explained to the engineer that the caution lights flashed prior to me crossing, it was explained that was the way it was supposed to work. This just meant if you were in the crosswalk you needed to get across. It was also explained that it was not right to begin crossing when the caution lights flash.
As an individual using a manual wheelchair, this intersection is one of the most difficult to cross. The crown is steep, three of the curb-cuts are very narrow and the fourth is set back from the road creating further distance to travel. This does not consider the water that sits at the curb-cuts during rain and the roughness of the route that chairs must take, let alone an older individual that is not exactly quick crossing Broadway.
But, I also realize you know this and I have the understanding that Caltrans plans to address this as further development of Broadway is being planned and changed.
***************
The other item that caught my attention was the group from Tri-County Independent Living. This group was just recently formed and has some interesting views. I pretty much agree with most of the thoughts regarding access to various businesses and City facilities that are not accessible (I also understand much can not be done without funding.). But what disturbs me the most are instances such as I presented to the City's Planning Commission a couple of weeks ago (below):
"I realize you may not have anything to do with the new houses built at the very end of 7th Street, particularly the house at 1653 7th Street with a Disabled Parking Space in front of it.
Remembering I am in a wheelchair and when I went past the newly finished homes I noticed the Disabled Parking Space in front of a two story family unit.
I understand that the inside design of these newly finished units are very nice. They have three bedrooms, a master bathroom and a smaller bathroom upstairs, while downstairs there is a small water closet with a toilet, a kitchen, dining and living rooms. Of course, a staircase to get to the second floor is included. (This description comes from a neighbor of the new units.)
I was wondering how an individual confined to a wheelchair would get upstairs. Did they build a ramp? Provide a heavy duty lift? Or did they provide an elevator?
And again, I could be very wrong about the design and layout of the unit built.
I also ask, is the Disabled Parking Space for guests? Or it could be this unit is designed for only ambulatory individuals with disabilities? Of course, this could not be true, because it would be definitely discrimination, yes?
I hope you are smiling and take this with the humor I found in the concern I have for the newly finished units. I know that this could bite the City if you had an individual with a disability wishing to live there because they saw that parking space and discovered it was not designed for a wheelchair.
I also noticed that there is a gate and path from the upper units that provides pedestrian access to 6th Street. The gate and path are not accessible to wheelchairs or many seniors. The gate's handle is too high and the path is made of large cement pads with big gaps in between them sunk in redwood compost, I believe.
Remembering when I first met the planner working on the General Plan, I shared with them how folks built things that supposedly are usable by individuals with disabilities, but in truth were not functional for every day living. This housing project is an example of this. If it is funded with public funds, they should look for advice from individuals like myself or other groups representing people with disabilities. This, I believe could be included in the housing element of the City's General Plan, "Get advice from the user or their community representative."
I admit, I could be wrong in my assumption of the design of the unit I mentioned, but I am very sure of the access provided at the gate.
To correct these kinds of situations from happening, I hope the City looks for more advice from the community of individuals with disabilities. What I described above, I hope is a misunderstanding, but if it isn't, if planners and builders looked for advice from users of accessible needs, much can be saved in the future, yes?
Monday, August 17, 2009
Keep the Public Option for Health Care?
I am not sure it should be the "Public Option" as written, but something that creates true competition between the insurance companies. As it stands presentlly, high medical insurance cost are expended for little in return for moderate income individuals. And then after paying monthly fees one finds out that major costs are not covered completely, or less than what was expected.
There needs to be a system that allows for a doctor to make a mistake and not have such high premiums for malpractice. I am not for removing malpractice suits, but I am forlessing the amount pay out, as well as making it harder to bring such suits - Doctors are human, though some forget to treat patients as individuals looking to understand.
Anyhow, consider something that limits the costs of insurance.
There needs to be a system that allows for a doctor to make a mistake and not have such high premiums for malpractice. I am not for removing malpractice suits, but I am forlessing the amount pay out, as well as making it harder to bring such suits - Doctors are human, though some forget to treat patients as individuals looking to understand.
Anyhow, consider something that limits the costs of insurance.
College of the Redwoods experience/suggestions
Jeff Marsee, President
College of the Redwoods
7351 Tomkins Hill Road
Eureka, CA 95501-9300
Mr. Marsee,
While visiting College of the Redwoods today I discovered some pleasant and unpleasant experiences.
I believe it is best you know that my wife and I are both in wheelchairs from spinal cord injuries. Returning to school is a very positive program for both of us, and College of the Redwoods (CR) has much to offer with the various venues and locations of completing classes for individuals with disabilities.
While visiting the bookstore I found most of the clerks are very helpful, especially, Jen. I was looking for the books that went with the classes I signed up for and the book codes so I could search for them on-line to save money. Jen did the search for me from a list the bookstore had made for the 2009 Fall Term. She was very helpful and her assistance was great appreciated.
Another experience was visiting the Financial Aid office for getting a couple forms completed regarding verification of financial aid my wife and I will received this year. After queuing for nearly 30 minutes I was told I needed my wife’s signature on the form. I explained that I would need to push down to the parking lot and then back up the hill to get this.
I am dumbfounded why I can complete the application for Medi-cal and Food Stamps without my wife, but could not get information my family needed from the Financial Aid office without her signature. I realized it is not the individual’s fault at the window, but this situation could have been dealt with much more understanding and the paperwork I presented could have been reviewed more thoroughly and it would have been recognized my wife’s signature was not needed (Sometimes bureaucracy is over-used in accomplishing ones duties.).
I wish to offer these solutions:
Bookstore: First, I would work to placing the listing of books with their titles and ISBN codes on the CR website. This would allow individuals to access to finding out what books are needed and search for them on line and at the same time save on energy used to drive to CR (Talking on the phone is not always the most accurate way of gathering information. It is also not always the friendliest either).
Secondly, I would work towards an agreement with an on-line book dealer such as Amazon Books in representing CR and being the place to encourage students to purchase their books. I could see a small amount of money being returned to CR from Amazon as part of the agreement. This in turn could possibly save the bookstore money.
Financial Aid Office: Access and service is very important from this office. Today, my first visit I queued behind ten individuals waiting for assistance at a single window. When I returned with my wife’s signature, still only one window was open for assistance and there were 20 individuals waiting for assistance. When there are three or more individuals waiting, it seems that there would be others available to open other windows to serve those needing assistance. People walking or confined to a wheelchair should not have to wait longer than 20 minutes for service.
I would then look to the future and move all student services to lower ground. You have great spaces for disabled parking, but having to climb the hill to receive financial aid and such is very discouraging. What would it hurt to moving all of Student Services to a friendlier location?
College of the Redwoods has a great campus, but I believe there are some simple things that can be done to make it more student oriented for all that wish to attend, including those who use manual wheelchairs. (Almost forgot, I visited a lecture room to take a State exam and the pencil sharpener was upstairs and not accessible. Is there a possibility to place a sharpener where individuals in wheelchairs have to sit?).
Have a great day!
College of the Redwoods
7351 Tomkins Hill Road
Eureka, CA 95501-9300
Mr. Marsee,
While visiting College of the Redwoods today I discovered some pleasant and unpleasant experiences.
I believe it is best you know that my wife and I are both in wheelchairs from spinal cord injuries. Returning to school is a very positive program for both of us, and College of the Redwoods (CR) has much to offer with the various venues and locations of completing classes for individuals with disabilities.
While visiting the bookstore I found most of the clerks are very helpful, especially, Jen. I was looking for the books that went with the classes I signed up for and the book codes so I could search for them on-line to save money. Jen did the search for me from a list the bookstore had made for the 2009 Fall Term. She was very helpful and her assistance was great appreciated.
Another experience was visiting the Financial Aid office for getting a couple forms completed regarding verification of financial aid my wife and I will received this year. After queuing for nearly 30 minutes I was told I needed my wife’s signature on the form. I explained that I would need to push down to the parking lot and then back up the hill to get this.
I am dumbfounded why I can complete the application for Medi-cal and Food Stamps without my wife, but could not get information my family needed from the Financial Aid office without her signature. I realized it is not the individual’s fault at the window, but this situation could have been dealt with much more understanding and the paperwork I presented could have been reviewed more thoroughly and it would have been recognized my wife’s signature was not needed (Sometimes bureaucracy is over-used in accomplishing ones duties.).
I wish to offer these solutions:
Bookstore: First, I would work to placing the listing of books with their titles and ISBN codes on the CR website. This would allow individuals to access to finding out what books are needed and search for them on line and at the same time save on energy used to drive to CR (Talking on the phone is not always the most accurate way of gathering information. It is also not always the friendliest either).
Secondly, I would work towards an agreement with an on-line book dealer such as Amazon Books in representing CR and being the place to encourage students to purchase their books. I could see a small amount of money being returned to CR from Amazon as part of the agreement. This in turn could possibly save the bookstore money.
Financial Aid Office: Access and service is very important from this office. Today, my first visit I queued behind ten individuals waiting for assistance at a single window. When I returned with my wife’s signature, still only one window was open for assistance and there were 20 individuals waiting for assistance. When there are three or more individuals waiting, it seems that there would be others available to open other windows to serve those needing assistance. People walking or confined to a wheelchair should not have to wait longer than 20 minutes for service.
I would then look to the future and move all student services to lower ground. You have great spaces for disabled parking, but having to climb the hill to receive financial aid and such is very discouraging. What would it hurt to moving all of Student Services to a friendlier location?
College of the Redwoods has a great campus, but I believe there are some simple things that can be done to make it more student oriented for all that wish to attend, including those who use manual wheelchairs. (Almost forgot, I visited a lecture room to take a State exam and the pencil sharpener was upstairs and not accessible. Is there a possibility to place a sharpener where individuals in wheelchairs have to sit?).
Have a great day!
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