Declares April 2025 as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in the State of Illinois to help increase public awareness of the need to support individuals with autism and the family members, medical professionals, and human services professionals who help care for individuals with autism.
States that any transportation legislative package considered by the Illinois General Assembly should include complete consideration of the needs of the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) community, including, but not limited to, accessibility, affordability, availability of transportation options, and the needs of providers who support individuals with ID/DD. Urges State agencies, regional planning organizations, and transportation providers to prioritize accessibility, stakeholder engagement, and equitable investment in transportation infrastructure to better serve individuals with ID/DD.
Declares March 25, 2025 as Equal Pay Day in the State of Illinois. Encourages the citizens of this State to learn about the pay gap that women experience in society and to learn about these various dates that bring attention to the pay gap that specific groups experience.
Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. In provisions concerning the Community Care Program, provides that, subject to federal approval, on and after January 1, 2026, rates for in-home services shall be increased to $32.75 to sustain a minimum wage of $20 per hour for direct service workers. As a condition of their eligibility for the $32.75 in-home services rate, requires in-home services providers to (i) certify to the Department on Aging that they remain in compliance with the mandated wage increase for direct service workers and (ii) submit cost reports. Provides that fringe benefits shall not be reduced in relation to the rate increases. Provides that beginning January 1, 2028, the Department shall ensure that each in-home service provider spends a minimum of 80% of total payments the provider receives for homecare aide services it furnishes under the Community Care Program on total compensation for direct service workers who furnish those services. Requires the Department to adopt rules on financial reporting and minimum direct service worker costs. Authorizes the Department to sanction a provider that fails to meet the requirements of the amendatory Act. Defines terms.
Amends the Environmental Protection Act. In a provision regarding leaking underground storage tanks, site investigation, and corrective action, provides that any bidding process adopted to determine the reasonableness of costs of corrective action must provide for a publicly-noticed, competitive, and sealed bidding process that includes, at least 14 days prior to the date set in the invitation for the opening of bids, public notice of the invitation for bids to be published on an electronic procurement website approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (rather than only in a local paper of general circulation for the area in which the site is located).
Commends Fred T. Korematsu for his courageous efforts for civil liberties. Honors the legacy of Fred Korematsu, his institute, and his children who work so diligently to educate the public by encouraging schools and institutes of higher learning throughout the State of Illinois to incorporate his story and valiant stand for American values of justice into their curriculum.
Establishes the Saving Working Families and Easing the Cost of Living Task Force to assess the feasibility of implementing policies focused on reducing the cost of living and enhancing the economic well-being of middle-class and modest-income families.
Congratulates Ronald McDonald House Charities on its 50th anniversary. Commends the organization for its commitment to Illinois families and children in their times of need. Thanks Ronald McDonald House Charities, its partners, its employees, and its volunteers for their dedication to providing a caring and compassionate environment where families can rest, find support, and heal together. Wishes the organization continued success in its mission.
Expresses opposition to the Trump healthcare cuts, which fundamentally undermine the basic dignity and financial security of working families across the country. Calls upon the United States Senate to immediately table the Trump healthcare cuts bill and instead pursue reforms such as the Illinois' Healthcare Protection Act to make healthcare more accessible and more affordable.
Amends the Illinois Municipal Code and the Fire Protection District Act. Provides that an individual who is legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law is authorized to apply for the position of firefighter, subject to all requirements and limitations, other than citizenship, to which other applicants are subject. Effective January 1, 2026.
