Bill heads to Senate next, paving way to ending months of uncertainty and chaos for over 8,000 people with disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – Following is a statement on behalf of Access Living, Caring Across Generations, Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living, and SEIU Healthcare Illinois in response to passage of HB 3376 out of the Illinois House today:

“Our coalition thanks the members of the Illinois House of Representatives that voted in support of House Bill 3376, which takes a responsible approach to overtime hours in the Illinois Home Services Program.

“The health and safety of the 30,000 people with disabilities who rely on home care services through the HSP to live independently in our communities is at stake, and HB 3376 will guarantee that those individuals will continue to see their care needs met. HB 3376 provides reasonable caps on hours, while reducing the risk of unnecessary and costly institutionalization – correcting the mistakes of the Rauner HSP Overtime Policy approved by JCAR in March.

“The bill protects people with disabilities from attempts to strip them of consumer control and choice over their care, while ensuring prudent use of taxpayer dollars through continued access to quality in-home services.

“We call on the Illinois Senate to swiftly follow suit and send this critical legislation to the Governor’s desk.”

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