Local politicians, Illinois citizens with disabilities and their families call for Executive Order 09-15 be rescinded

Illinois citizens with disabilities and their families need your help!

The Illinois Home Based Support Services Program (HBSSP) is a model consumer-directed program for adults with developmental disabilities and their families. This successful program is in jeopardy.

Your help is needed to persuade Governor Quinn to rescind Executive Order 09-15.

About Executive Order 15

In June 2009, Governor Quinn issued Executive Order 15, which allows for the collective bargaining of individual service providers in the HBSSP. No individual service providers sought union representation. This was an administrative policy decision.

In October 2009, an overwhelming 66% voted against union representation thanks to families who mobilized and conducted intensive education efforts. Neither union seeking representation barely received 19% of the vote.

Despite this clear choice, a union can file for an election to represent this unique group every year because Executive Order 15 does not expire. This will cause great disruption and stress to families who will be forced to take action again and again.

About the Home Based Support Services Program

Illinois’ HBSSP is a federal match program, so for every dollar spent, the Federal government reimburses the State 50 percent.

Eligible adults have significant disabilities and are at risk for institutionalization. These people do not want to live in institutions. The HBSSP keeps adults with disabilities in the most integrated setting – in their homes, in their communities, close to or with family and friends.

Currently, the nearly 3000 people enrolled in the HBSSP employ about 5000 personal support workers and pay them from their monthly allotment. They also pay for other approved services like developmental training and therapies if the need is documented in their individual service plan. Everyone pays each month for mandatory service facilitation.

Why 66 percent voted for NO UNION Representation

Because they need help during private activities of daily living, a majority of individuals hire family members as personal support workers. A trusted and familiar person in this role promotes safety and comfort. Families do not want a third party interfering in their relationships in the privacy of their homes.

Both the Federal Social Security Act and Illinois statute cap HBSSP funds. Unionizing personal support workers will reduce critical supports because $60-$75 for union dues or fair share will be deducted out of the capped total monthly stipends.

The psychological impact that any threat or actual reduction of assistance has on Individuals in the HBSSP and their families is serious. Money earned by families via this program is often used to further support the individual. A loss of funds could force institutionalization.

Imagine the difficulty for families to organize against union representation year after year. Imagine how traumatic it is for people with disabilities to worry about remaining in their homes.

Join our growing group of Champions who believe Governor Quinn should rescind Executive Order 09-15:

Families throughout the State of Illinois
Illinois Parents of Adults with Developmental Disabilities (IPADD)
Representative Jim Durkin (R) 82^nd District
Representative Michael G. Connelly (R) 48^th District
Representative Bill Mitchell (R) 87^th District
Representative Patricia R. Bellock (R) 94^th District
Dan Proft, Illinois Gubernatorial candidate
Senator Kirk Dillard (R) 24^th District, Illinois Gubernatorial candidate
The Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities
The ARC of Illinois
Family Support Network
Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living
Former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan, Illinois Gubernatorial candidate
Representative Timothy Schmitz (R) 49^th District
Representative David Leitch (R) 73^rd District
Don Moss and Associates
United Cerebral Palsy of Illinois
Community Service Options, Inc.
Representative Sandra Pihos (R) 42^nd District
DuPage County Chairman, Bob Schillerstrom, Illinois Gubernatorial Candidate
Representative Michael W. Tryon (R) 64^th District
Senator Bill Brady (R), 44^th District, Illinois Gubernatorial Candidate
Representative Elizabeth Coulson (R) 17^th District
Representative Esther Golar (D) 6^th District, Chairperson, Disability Services Committee
Representative David Reis (R) 108^th District