I, the undersigned, am concerned about the more than 27,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Illinois who rely on Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) for supports from daily personal care to teaching essential skills and attending to complex medical needs. DSPs earn poverty-level wages because state payments to support individuals in the community have not increased in nearly a decade. Low wages for DSPs result in high employee turnover and an inability to hire new workers. Community providers are relying more on overtime to cover shifts, leading to staff burnout. In some cases, shifts can’t be covered, putting individuals at risk. HB 5931, which would have provided DSPs a living wage, was vetoed by Governor Rauner.

I urge state lawmakers to vote YES to override the veto of HB 5931!