SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva joined SEIU Healthcare, seniors and advocates at a rally at the Illinois State Capitol on Thursday to demand equitable wages for home care workers under the Community Care Program.
“I know first-hand how demanding home care work is, as it was home care workers who stepped in when my grandmother was ill – ensuring she was clean, fed, took her medicine on time and, most importantly, could continue living in her community with dignity,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “We must work to pass this measure to ensure their wages are reflective of their effort, and I am determined to lead that fight in Springfield this spring.”
Villanueva, SEIU, seniors and CCP supporters gathered at the Illinois State Capitol to advocate for Senate Bill 3033 – a measure sponsored by Villanueva that would raise wages for home care workers by two dollars per hour.
Illinois’ home care workers have warned of an impending workforce shortage for several years due to inequitable wages and training. As seniors continue to be approved for CCP services, Villanueva is working to prioritize the well-being and livelihood of home care workers so seniors and individuals with chronic illness or disabilities never have to go without much-needed care.
Villanueva looks forward to continued conversations with colleagues, advocates and stakeholders in the hopes to advance her legislation.
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