40+ Advocates Stand Up for Caregivers, Seniors at Capitol in Sacramento [PHOTO GALLERY]

Last week, more than 40 HCAOA members and staff spent the day at the state Capitol in Sacramento asking lawmakers and members of the Newsom Administration to support a bill to protect seniors and families hiring in-home support. The main issue of discussion for the day was AB 2185, which would prohibit Domestic Referral Agencies (DRAs) from compensating home care workers and independent contractors, which has become more and more of an issue in California, especially in recent years as the demand for services grows. Even if you were not able to attend the Advocacy Day, you can still do your part by sending a letter of support to your lawmakers.

Please follow the instructions below:
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1. CLICK HERE and fill out a pre-written letter of support for this bill. Please insert your agency logo, name, and address into the template letter. All sections needing your input are highlighted on the template for ease of use. 
2. Send your letter in Microsoft Word format to CA Chapter Lobbyist Tony Gonzalez: [email protected]. Letters will be accepted through Wednesday, March 27th.

HCAOA California Chapter Lobbyist Tony Gonzalez organized a morning session to kick off the day featuring Kelsy Castillo and Tim Rainey, Policy Consultants for Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, and Mareva Brown and Cesar Diaz, Policy Consultants for Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire, who engaged with members and listened to examples of real-world impacts the DRA issue is having on some agencies.

Sonya Wilson, Acting Branch Chief of the Home Care Services Bureau, California Department of Social Services, and Jabari Lewis, Administration, Licensing, and Registry Oversight Manager – who was on his first day on the job! – provided updates for members about the reporting and investigation process for agencies operating without a license. Wilson encouraged the group to continue reporting instances of improper behavior they see in their communities to [email protected].

In addition, Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-4) said she recognized the important work home-based care does, even noting that one of her first jobs was as a caregiver to an adult with a disability. "Because of the work you do, we are talking about aging and in-home services in a very real way in the Assembly and Senate,” Sen. Alvarado-Gil said. “There is an appetite in the legislature to support licensed, trained caregivers who support our seniors."

Thank you to all who joined us in advocating for home care. Your voices were heard and will shape our future advocacy efforts!

HCAOA California Advocacy Day - 3/12/24