HB5609 Summary

• Establishes mandatory wage increases for homemaker service employees in the Community Care Program, with rates increasing to $19.89/hour (July 1, 2018), $21.49/hour (July 1, 2019), $23.09/hour (July 1, 2020), and $24.69/hour (July 1, 2021), with each increase of at least $1 per hour.

• Requires vendors providing homemaker services to maintain or increase fringe benefits including paid time off, training payments, health insurance, travel, and transportation; vendors cannot reduce these benefits in relation to wage rate increases.

• Mandates within 30 days of the Act's effective date an immediate rate increase to $18.29/hour (at least $.72 per hour increase) and requires enhanced rates of at least $1.77/hour for providers offering health insurance to employees.

• Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging to establish the Community Care Program Advisory Committee for oversight and input on program delivery and policy.

• Takes effect July 1, 2018.