I am concerned that certain politicians are more interested in their own political ideologies than in supporting the citizens of Lake County.

To correct this possibly erroneous impression, I would urge at the Board of Supervisors to support a living-wage increase to the In-Home Supportive Services, or IHSS, workers in Lake County.

The IHSS program provides homecare services to low-income seniors and people with disabilities, providing this care in the home with dignity, rather than forcing the citizen into an institution.

The IHSS program is a far more effective use of funds for the care of the elderly and disabled than resorting to a nursing home.

IHSS is supported by Federal (54%), State of California (30%), and county of Lake (16.2%) funds, and is a good example of Lake County receiving a greater return on tax dollars (84 cents on the dollar) to support a critical program in Lake County.

Additionally, IHSS wages generate nearly $15 million input to the Lake County economy, and nearly $200,000 in Lake County tax revenue.

IHSS caregivers are typically paid at the minimum wage level, and are currently seeking a very modest wage increase on the order of 4 percent.

This raise is a considerably smaller percentage than the latest increase voted by the Board of Supervisors members to themselves.

Please contact your county supervisor and urge them to support the IHSS modest wage increase.

Dr. David Rogers lives in Lakeport, Calif.