Streator Unlimited issues statement regarding Illinois proposed budget

STREATOR – Streator Unlimited issued a statement in response to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Budget Address, highlighting the proposal to increase wages for direct care staff. Pritzker’s proposal included increasing Direct Support Professional wages by $1.00/hour in July and another $.50 per hour by 2021. According to Director John Mallaney, the proposal would help Streator Unlimited keep up with the rising minimum wage. In addition, Priztker is also proposing 28.5 million increase to support “PUNS”, a statewide database that records information about individuals who have developmental disabilities who are potentially in need of services. Mallaney says the proposed budget could change, that’s why the organization will continue to fight for the inclusion of DSP wages to the increasing minimum wage.