Low wages drive shortage of workers to help disabled

Little City encourages all of its stakeholders to contact local lawmakers and the governor's office to encourage them to support $15 per hour for direct support professionals.

Little City is deeply disappointed in the recent decision by Gov. Bruce Rauner to veto House Bill 5931, which would have provided a living wage of $15 per hour for direct support professionals.

DSPs are the front-line staff who care for and support individuals living with developmental disabilities every minute, every hour and every day.

We have a statewide workforce crisis. Direct Support Professionals in Illinois assist 27,000 people with disabilities to lead productive lives and participate in their communities. However, agencies are hard-pressed to find qualified staff willing to work for poverty-level wages.

Direct Support Professionals in Illinois make an average of only $9.35 per hour or $19,488/year, less than the federal poverty level for a family of three.

Illinois seemed ready to show support for the DSPs who provide critical services when the legislation to increase wages was approved by the General Assembly with 107 "yes" votes. Gov. Rauner also issued a proclamation praising the essential and critical work of DSPs while acknowledging the growing shortage of qualified workers throughout the state.

But two days after issuing that proclamation, Gov. Rauner vetoed the bill that would have illustrated his understanding of the workforce crisis and delivered the support he declared.

We are eager to continue to work with state lawmakers and the governor to develop a solution to the DSP workforce crisis, supporting both individuals with disabilities and the staff that care for them. Contact your local legislator and the governor's office to let them know how important this issue is to you.

Shawn E. Jeffers, Executive Director

Little City

Palatine