SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, representing community providers of services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges, today issued the following statement after Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Illinois’ Fiscal Year 2023 budget into law:
“This is an important day for our members and our state, as it clearly sums up our continued progress for responsible state funding and the work that lies ahead.
For the second straight year, the Governor and Legislature have stepped up to provide meaningful new investment in I/DD services and programs. The $94.8 million increase that the Governor proposed in February and was adopted here will go into Guidehouse study priorities, which we all agree are necessary to adequately support these services.
It will provide a $1-an-hour increase to the wage rate for Direct Support Professionals who serve our I/DD community and provide other funding support for transportation, room and board, and other critical needs. We thank the Legislature for including this funding and removing 700 people off the waiting list for services.
We are proud of the Legislature’s investment of $170 million into mental health and behavioral health services, a critical need coming out of the pandemic. We are encouraged about the agreement reached on House Bill 4647, now on the Governor’s desk, that will ensure transparency and accountability on wage increases for workers providing I/DD services.
But the challenge ahead from this progress is clear: Illinois must do more to fund I/DD services and programs.
Too many of our members are struggling to hire workers because they can get competitive wages at fast-food restaurants and retailers. Too many in need of I/DD services have to go without or receive less than they need because there is simply not enough funding.
We sought a $246.8 million increase for this new budget to fully meet the Guidehouse priorities. Our goal moving forward will be to work with the Legislature and Governor to calculate the increase needed in FY 2024 to meet these goals and to make another strong advocacy push for full funding. Our members and their communities deserve nothing less.”
Josh Evans
President and CEO
Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities