A Message From Family Child Care Provider Yessika Magdaleno District 8 South Chair
Summer is here, giving us a moment to breathe and recharge, but we never stop carrying our communities through heat waves, long hours, and the nonstop demands of care. Every day, our work keeps families steady and Californians living with dignity. And as the year continues, we’ll keep fighting together for the pay, respect, and protections every care worker deserves.
Top Priority: Budget Deal Protects Care Workers and Expands Child Care Access
California’s 2026–27 budget agreement protects core IHSS funding and rejects the Governor’s proposal to lower asset limits, which would have created new barriers for care workers. It also keeps the state on track to expand child care access with more than 22,000 new slots. Still, the budget doesn’t close the gap between the true cost of care and current reimbursement rates for family child care providers, and we remain committed to fighting for a pay scale providers deserve. Read our full statement.
What the 2026 Budget Act Means for Family Child Care Providers
The 2026 Budget Act expands voucher slots, updates the restrictive 80/20 rule, and closes corporate tax loopholes to strengthen public services. While the added slots are a win, a 2.01% rate increase on reimbursements that cover only 30% of provider costs still leaves providers at a loss. Read more.
Victories Powered by Member Strength: We Made Our Voices Heard!
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New El Dorado County IHSS Contract: A new agreement is now in effect through June 2027, featuring a wage increase and a scheduled reopener in March 2027 that gives members another opportunity to bargain for additional improvements and stronger wages.

Education Opportunities for You and Your Family!
Through our partnership with the UDW Resource Center and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, you and your immediate family members can access education opportunities built with your needs in mind—including support for those already enrolled in a program. To learn more, visit www.udw.org/college/

Celebrating Disability Pride Month!
Disability Pride Month is all about celebrating disability as a powerful part of who we are and the movement built by disabled leaders. We bring a real‑world perspective — as care providers, clients, and disabled individuals, we live at the intersection of care and disability, where strength and solidarity shape everything we do. Learn more about its roots here.
Member Spotlight: Home Care Provider Gary Baker
Gary has spent his whole life in Bakersfield—building a career, raising his family, and now caring full‑time for his 11‑year‑old son, Edward, who is non‑verbal and autistic. When Edward needed more support, Gary left fabrication and security work to become the caregiver he never expected to be but fully embraced. Read his full story here.
Take Action: IHSS Funding at Risk: Your Voice Can Make a Difference
The federal government is currently holding back $1.3 billion designated for California’s IHSS program. This funding is vital — it sustains our pay, ensures adequate service hours, and helps clients remain safely at home. Help protect IHSS by sharing how this program impacts your life here.
Take Action! Keep Child Care Doors Open: Email Legislators Today!
Despite some wins in the 2026 Budget Act, provider pay remains too low and new state requirements are hitting without the funding or time needed to comply. Legislators come back in August, let’s make sure they hear us! Send your message now!


























