SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva joined frontline care workers Tuesday to outline a measure aimed at addressing Illinois’ growing care crisis by raising wages for home care workers under the Community Care Program.

“Care workers are heroes. Every day, they provide essential services that allow seniors and our most vulnerable neighbors to live with dignity,” said Senator Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Right now, poverty wages are pushing caregivers out of the industry, leading to understaffing, burnout and high turnover. Without action, families across Illinois will continue to struggle to find the care their loved ones need. This measure will help fix this crisis by ensuring that home care workers are paid a fair, living wage.”

Senate Bill 120 would set a new wage floor of $20 per hour to stabilize the workforce and ensure that seniors and people with disabilities receive the high-quality care they deserve. Illinois’ Community Care Program helps more than 65,000 seniors remain in their homes instead of entering costly nursing facilities. However, a growing shortage of home care workers is making it harder for families to secure care. Many caregivers are leaving the field because wages are too low to support themselves and their families, forcing seniors into unsafe and uncertain situations.

“We cannot allow our parents and grandparents to fend for themselves without access to life-saving care,” said Villanueva. “Care can’t wait. Seniors know it. Their families know it. Our home care workers know it. It’s time for Springfield to act.”

Senate Bill 120 awaits to be heard by the Senate Appropriations - Health and Human Services Committee.