Workers bill must be signed by governor

We are writing to you regarding the importance of House Bill 5931 that has recently passed the House and Senate with significant support and is now on its way to Governor Rauner's desk.

This bill would raise the wages of Direct Support Professionals that provide services to children and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. DSPs play a critical role by providing assistance to people with I/DD to learn daily living skills, find jobs, administer medications, provide transportation, and respond calmly to diffuse volatile situations that keep people out of the police departments or emergency rooms. Without DSPs, the health, safety, and welfare of thousands is jeopardized.

We serve as CEOs for three community organizations that combined serve more than 10,000 children and adults with I/DD. We are challenged with an unprecedented staffing crisis! This situation was not created by the current budget impasse, but rather years of neglect from our state government resulting in a system that ranks 47th in the nation. Today, the average wage for DSPs statewide is only $9.35/hour and community providers are reporting staff vacancy rates as high as 30 percent. With more than 23,000 people waiting for services, community providers can no longer respond to the needs in their community.

Our disability system is on the brink of disaster in Illinois. House Bill 5931 not only provides a livable wage to a valuable workforce, but it is the single most important measure that will stabilize a crumbling system. Governor Rauner must sign House Bill 5931.

Kim Zoeller

Ray Graham Association

Lisle

Carl LaMell

Clearbrook

Arlington Heights