Story via CentralIllinoisProud.com/WMBD TV Peoria

People who work with the disabled, could lose their overtime pay.

“He is basically best described as an infant.”

Tim Sommer is a caretaker for his 23-year-old son, Seaver. Cerebral palsy prevents him from taking care of himself.

“I perform every other function in his life, picking him up, carrying him to the bathtub, put him in there, wash him, bathe him,” Sommer said.

He met with two democratic state lawmakers in Peoria Monday, in an effort to ensure he continues to get paid by the state for his caretaker services, and his son keeps getting help, even if it takes longer than 45 hours a week.

“Anyone could be in this situation, any family member, any loved one could be in this situation,” said Democratic State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth.
…
“We have to remember, especially during our budgetary process that those statistics are people, they are families,” Rep. Gordon-Booth said.

Why they’re calling on Governor Rauner to sign senate bill 261. It would abolish those limitations put in place by the department, and let people with disabilities keep their caretakers regardless of hours.

“Those are still people, still families, that we as elected officials, we’re tied to them,” Rep. Gordon-Booth said.

Why some, like Sommer, say putting a cap on his hours could not only be dangerous but also upset his son.

“You want somebody else to take care of you?” Tim asked.

“I just want you,” Seaver replied.

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