State Rep. Jay DeBoyer today strongly opposed advancing plans that move to unionize home healthcare workers, underscoring the impacts it will have on worker choice and the ability of people and their families to individualize care.

Senate Bills 790-91 install wide-ranging changes that declare caregivers under the Home Help Program public employees through the Department of Health and Human Services for the purpose of collective bargaining. Currently, the unionization of workers in this field is not allowed.

Michigan’s Home Help Program provides Medicaid-funded, in-home personal care for elderly and disabled individuals who need help with daily activities. These services can be provided by licensed agency caregivers or individuals hired by program participants, and DHHS approves providers for participation.

“The current process allows for flexibility so people can hire and manage a family caregiver that meet their exact needs – while still keeping critical oversight to ensure quality care. These bills complicate a process that is already a stressful endeavor for many Michigan families who are looking out for their loved ones,” said DeBoyer, of Clay Township. “This change is also coming as Michigan faces shortages of caregivers and people are struggling to find care professionals. Now we’re going to potentially put in changes that will force workers to join and pay into a union, which could impact family members who provide care for their relatives and will lead to some professionals leaving the industry entirely and creating an even larger care shortage. This is just bad policy.”

DeBoyer also noted the issue was already soundly defeated by Michigan voters in 2012. After Gov. Jennifer Granholm established a council that served as vehicle for unionization, the Legislature chose to defund it and prohibit home health workers as state employees. As a result, the question of whether to include the council within the Michigan Constitution was put on the ballot and defeated with over 56% of voters opposed.

The legislation was advanced by the House along party lines.