IL SR0169

Illinois ranks 47th among states in spending for community services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), according to 2017 research from the University of Colorado.

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce, which is 86% women and 59% people of color, experiences inadequate reimbursement rates and a 54.5% turnover rate in Illinois, well above the national average.

Illinois has been subject to the Ligas Consent Decree since 2011, which mandates increased funding for I/DD services; the state was found out of compliance in 2015 and 2017.

A 2019 rate study by Guidehouse identified the need for a $329 million General Revenue Fund investment in FY22 across seven priority areas to maintain a sustainable I/DD service system and keep pace with minimum wage increases.

The resolution urges the state to fully fund the Guidehouse recommendations in FY22, noting the Governor's proposed budget includes only $77 million toward four of the seven identified priorities.