California In-Home Caregivers Look To Legislative Measure For Hope Of Financial Help
The Senate this week passed a rewritten bill that would create an advisory committee to look at the situation of caregivers. In other action from Sacramento, Gov. Jerry Brown signs climate legislation that could have environmental health implications.
The [San Bernardino County] Sun:
California Legislature Approves Bill To Help In-Home Caregivers
Barstow resident (Cathyleen) Williams spent nine and a half years caring for her son, Caleb Lucas. He was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, with half of his heart doing all the work. ... But when Caleb died from influenza on March 18, there was a second blow for Williams: Due to a loophole in state law, she cannot collect unemployment for being an In-Home Supportive Services worker because the person she was taking care of was her child, rather than another relative or someone unrelated. The loophole also applies to those taking care of their spouses. (Yarbrough, 8/24)
Los Angeles Times:
'A Real Commitment Backed Up By Real Power': Gov. Jerry Brown To Sign Sweeping New Climate Legislation
The second measure, Assembly Bill 197 from Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella), includes a mix of proposals to increase legislative oversight of state regulators and focus their attention on disadvantaged communities. In particular, the California Air Resources Board would be asked to prioritize steps to reduce emissions from refineries and other facilities, an approach favored by advocates who are concerned about the health effects of pollution. (Megerian, 8/25)