Thank you again to all those who helped the They Deserve More campaign to fight for the wage increase. As you know, the state budget included a 75 cent increase for direct support professionals and other front line staff working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Here is the BIMP language included in the budget implementation legislation:
“Within 30 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 100th General Assembly, the Department shall increase rates and reimbursements to fund a minimum of a $0.75 per hour wage increase for front-line personnel, including, but not limited to, direct support persons, aides, front-line supervisors, qualified intellectual disabilities professionals, nurses, and non-administrative support staff working in community-based provider organizations serving individuals with developmental disabilities. The Department shall adopt rules, including emergency rules under subsection (y) of Section 5-45 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, to implement the provisions of this Section.”
In speaking with Gary Kramer from DHS today, it is clear that they are working to try to arrive at a clear implementation strategy as quickly as possible. The They Deserve More campaign group will be making recommendations to DHS on implementation. We ask for your patience on the details. This process will take time to become clear and we will inform you as soon as we have details.
Thank you for all your work on this. Many legislators, reporters and the public have been educated about this crisis!
Please email meg (meg@thearcofil.org) with specific questions that you want addressed and if you want to talk about specifics.
Don’t forget to fill out this brief organizational survey to help the Arc support you in the right ways going forward.
Mark your calendars for Sept 6 for the Executive Forum.
Best,
Meg Cooch
Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
Meg@thearcofil.org