Bill > HB4450

This bill, titled the Human Services Workforce Sustainability Act, aims to increase funding for human services organizations to improve the wages and benefits of their workers, who are often underpaid. By June 30, 2027, state agencies like the Departments of Human Services, Children and Family Services, Juvenile Justice, and Public Health will compare funding awarded to these organizations in State Fiscal Years 2026 and 2021 to determine the percentage change. Based on this "look-back calculation," these agencies must then identify the total additional funding needed so that by State Fiscal Year 2028, grant amounts awarded are at least 25% higher than those given in State Fiscal Year 2021. The bill also mandates that from State Fiscal Year 2029 onwards, grants will increase annually by at least 3% or by the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is a measure of the average change in prices paid by urban consumers for a basket of goods and services. Contracted human services organizations receiving these increased funds must use at least 70% of the additional money directly for worker wages and benefits, and must certify their compliance. The Department of Central Management Services will oversee the implementation of these provisions, including hiring a Director of Human Services Wage Equity. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4450&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104