SPRINGFIELD — Leaders in Illinois’ disability services community are applauding the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, saying it includes important investments that will help stabilize a workforce facing ongoing challenges while supporting critical services for thousands of Illinois residents.

The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF), which represents community providers serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and serious mental illnesses, praised Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly for approving a budget that includes several priorities aimed at strengthening community-based care.

Among the key provisions highlighted by IARF are a 60-cent-per-hour wage increase for Direct Support Professionals and continued implementation of the zero-hour staffing model included in the governor’s original budget proposal. The budget also increases funding for the Illinois Behavioral Health Care Loan Repayment Program, which is designed to help recruit and retain behavioral health professionals.

“These investments will help providers continue addressing workforce challenges while strengthening services for individuals who rely on community-based supports,” said Josh Evans, president and CEO of IARF.

Direct Support Professionals play a vital role in helping individuals with disabilities live, work and participate in their communities. However, providers across Illinois have struggled with workforce shortages in recent years, driven by competition for workers, rising operating costs and growing demand for services.

IARF leaders said the budget recognizes the importance of maintaining a stable workforce and ensuring community organizations can continue delivering services that allow individuals to remain integrated in their communities rather than relying on more costly institutional settings.

“Across Illinois, providers continue to navigate staffing challenges, rising operational costs, transportation expenses and increasing demand for services,” Evans said. “The workforce investments included in this budget will help organizations recruit and retain the caring professionals who make community living possible for thousands of Illinoisans with disabilities.”

The association also credited the collaborative efforts of the governor’s administration, the Illinois Department of Human Services and lawmakers from both parties for advancing measures that support the long-term stability of the state’s developmental disabilities system.

According to IARF, the budget sends a strong message to individuals receiving services, their families and the professionals who support them that Illinois remains committed to community-based care.

While acknowledging that additional work remains to meet the growing needs of the disability services system, Evans said the FY 2027 budget represents meaningful progress.

“We look forward to Governor Pritzker signing the FY 2027 budget and continuing our work together to ensure Illinois remains a national leader in supporting individuals with disabilities and the organizations that serve them,” Evans said.