Two Democratic Illinois lawmakers are calling on Gov. Bruce Rauner to sign a measure to ensure consumer choice for those with disabilities.
Sen. Dave Koehler and Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth say Senate Bill 261 is essential to allowing those with disabilities to continue to choose and manage their personal assistants. The measure would work in place of the Governor’s administrative rules proposal.
It would cap the hours of a home health services worker at 45, offer reasons for a waivers and provide and in some cases penalties. Sen. Koehler says Senate Bill 261 is a better way.
“Our purpose in this is to not complicate folks lives any more that we have to. This has worked in the past. It can work in the future," Koehler said. "Let’s make it simple, let’s make it efficient, and Governor, please sign this bill.”
More than 300 people offered written comments on the initial 40-hour-a-week work cap proposed by the Rauner administration. In the response letter, the Department of Human Services sent says the goal of limiting overtime hours is Home Services Program is to ensure its sustainability and the quality of care people receive.