Grundy Reporter

Members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus have called on Governor JB Pritzker to maintain funding for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Illinois. The Republican Senators sent a letter urging the Governor to restore a proposed $32 million cut to Direct Support Professional (DSP) service hours in Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs), which serve nearly 10,000 residents with IDD.

The letter stated, “There will be lean years and there will be tight years, but every year – the state budget is a list of priorities. It is our duty as legislators to represent not just our constituents but all vulnerable Illinoisans who need our state’s help and protection.” They emphasized that the IDD community has been neglected for too long and urged prioritization of promised investments to enhance dignity and quality of life for these citizens.

Although the Governor's budget proposal includes a 50-cent wage increase for DSPs, Senate Republicans argue this is offset by a planned reduction of 900,000 service hours. This reduction could potentially eliminate around 430 positions, resulting in a net loss of $32 million from the community-based care system.

The letter also noted that thousands remain on the state's PUNS waiting list for services, while many live with aging caregivers concerned about their future. The proposed cuts are said to disproportionately affect downstate and rural areas that already face staffing challenges and lack nearby facilities.

Senate Republicans warn that these rollbacks threaten progress toward meeting federal requirements under the Ligas Decree and increase risks of institutionalization—a situation families have strived to avoid for decades.

The caucus urges Governor Pritzker to restore the full $32 million in service hours and recommit to creating an equitable, inclusive, and compassionate care system for individuals with disabilities and their families.