Here is the joint statement that was sent to the press. See the call for a $15.00 starting wage.
Tony
Joint Statement by Heads of Illinois Developmental Disability Organizations on Ligas Court Monitor Finding of Non-Compliance with Consent Decree
“As leaders of the organizations and associations that represent individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, their families, and Illinois’ large community of direct service providers, we support the finding of the Ligas Court Monitor in declaring the state of Illinois in non-compliance with their legal responsibilities to provide sufficient funding to maintain adequate services to those with developmental disabilities.
“More specifically, we find it particularly important that the Court Monitor based her decision on the ongoing failure of the state of Illinois to focus on solutions to the staffing crisis facing the direct support professional (DSP) community — a crisis so acute that providers increasingly struggle with how to ensure basic safety for both clients and staff.
“It’s shameful that the state expects that our most vulnerable can be cared for by our lowest paid workers. But for over a decade lawmakers and administrations have ignored the pleas of the community that they provide the resources necessary to recruit and retain a high quality workforce.
“In light of this ruling, we call on Governor Rauner and members of the General Assembly to take immediate steps to adopt a living wage of $15.00/hr for DSPs. A living wage will help ensure providers can recruit and retain the quality of professionals needed to care and support individuals with developmental disabilities in our communities.
“In making the request, we remind all parties of the statement by the Court Monitor that failure to remedy this staffing crisis is already having a negative impact upon the beneficiaries of the decree. We cannot afford to wait any longer.”
Tony Paulauski E: tony@thearcofil.org P: (708) 828-0811
Executive Director – Arc of Illinois
Janet S. Stover E: jstover@iarf.org P: (217) 753-1190
President & CEO – Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities
Kathy Carmody E: kathy@instituteonline.org P: (708) 359-2768
Chief Executive Officer – Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities
Mike Bibo E: mbibo@ltcsupport.net P: (309) 368-1672
President – Center for Developmental Disabilities Advocacy & Community Supports
Vicki Kean E: vickikean@donmossandassociates.com P: (217) 741-0044
Don Moss & Associates
Tony Paulauski
Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@thearcofil.org