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Care staff victims of longtime state neglect

For the past eight years, Illinois has not increased Medicaid rates for developmental disability services, even though inflation grew 14 percent. Years of insufficient funding and the lack of rate increases for the staff that provide quality and compassionate direct care to people with disabilities has created a statewide staffing crisis for community agencies.

Direct Support Professionals, the staff who teach important life skills, assist with grooming, and administer medications, also have the most significant impact on quality, safety, and community access for the people we support. Our inability to hire and retain these staff has left the future uncertain.

This situation was not created by the current budget impasse, but rather years of neglect from our state government resulting in a system of care for people with disabilities that ranks 47th in the nation. Today, the average statewide wage for DSPs is only $9.35 an hour and community providers are reporting staff vacancy rates as high as 30 percent. At Ray Graham Association, we have to compete with retail and fast food restaurants for applicants. I seriously wonder if anyone cares in Springfield.

I have been urging people to contact legislators and advocate for the passing of HB5931 and SB2952 to increase the wages for staff who care directly for people with disabilities in community agencies. Without a substantial increase, the staffing crisis in community agencies poses a growing threat to the health and safety of people with disabilities. My greatest fear is that it will take a tragedy for legislators to take action. I certainly hope I am wrong.

Kim Zoeller, President and CEO

Ray Graham Association, Lisle

Bolingbrook

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