Members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus are calling on Governor JB Pritzker to protect critical funding that provides care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Illinois. In a letter sent today Republican Senators urged him to fully restore a proposed $32 million cut to Direct Support Professional (DSP) service hours in Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs), where nearly 10,000 Illinois residents with IDD receive care.

“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,” the letter reads. “The IDD community has been pushed aside for far too long. This year you have the chance to prioritize them and make promised investments that help bring dignity and quality of life to these valued and vulnerable citizens.”

While the Governor’s proposed budget includes a 50-cent wage increase for DSPs, the Senate Republicans point out that the impact is undercut by the planned reduction of 900,000 service hours—the impact of which could eliminate an estimated 430 positions and result in a net loss of $32 million to the community-based care system.

The letter also highlights that thousands of Illinois residents remain on the state’s PUNS waiting list for services, and many more are living with aging caregivers who fear for their loved ones’ futures. Additionally, they argue that the proposed cuts would disproportionately impact downstate and rural areas, which already struggle to meet staffing needs and lack nearby facilities.

Senate Republicans say the proposed rollback threatens the state’s progress toward meeting federal requirements under the Ligas Decree and increases the risk of institutionalization for individuals with disabilities—a path many families have worked for decades to avoid.

The Senate Republican Caucus is urging the Governor to restore the full $32 million in service hours and recommit to building a fair, inclusive, and compassionate system of care for individuals with disabilities and their families.