Take Action Now: Support Key I/DD Bills by Submitting a Witness Slip

As the spring legislative session reaches an important stage in the state’s budget process, the deadline for House Bills to move out of committee is this Friday, March 27. Each year, Glenkirk supports key legislation that strengthens community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and this year we have several important bills under consideration. Several bills supported by the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF), representing providers across Illinois, have been posted for hearings and may be called for a vote at any time through Friday.

We are asking Glenkirk advocates to show strong support by submitting online witness slips as a Proponent.

Each slip takes less than two minutes, and showing strength in numbers is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate that these bills are a top priority for the disability community.

I/DD Priority Bills

These bills directly impact services and supports for people with I/DDs, including funding structures, workforce support, and transparency in community living programs.

• HB 4179 – Dignity in Pay Grants
  Supports initiatives that improve wages and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

• HB 4850 – Access to Day Services (IARF Bill)
  Increases service flexibility by removing daily 5-hour billing limits and updates transportation funding to better support community inclusion.
• HB 4884 – Transparency in CILA / Group Home Licensing (IARF Bill)
  Increases transparency and accountability in licensing processes for Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs).
• HB 4324 – CILA Per Diem Reimbursement
  Protects funding for community homes by ensuring providers are reimbursed for up to 20 days during a resident's medical crisis or passing.

Bills Supporting Behavioral Health and Other Broader Safety Nets

While not solely focused on I/DD services, behavioral health legislation and broader human services and healthcare systems play a critical role in supporting people with I/DD. Many individuals and families rely on these systems for mental health care, crisis response, and essential supports that also affect the services provided by organizations like Glenkirk.

Take a few extra minutes to make an even greater impact. Explore the links below and submit witness slips in support of these additional important bills.

BH Bills:

• HB 4785 – Preventing Crisis Cost Shifting to Medicaid Act
• HB 4448 – Safe Place to Go Act
• HB 4812 – Housing is Recovery Funding

Steps to Complete Witness Slips as Proponents

• Click on each bill link above
• Name: Your full name
• Organization: Enter your organization name
• City / State / Zip: Your business address
• Representation:
  
  • Select "Organization" if filing on behalf of your association
  • Select "Self" if filing as an individual
• Position:
  • In the “Add Legislation” drop-down, select “Original Bill”
  • In the “Add Position” drop-down, select “Proponent”
• Testimony: Select “Record of Appearance Only”
• Click in the box to “I agree to the ILGA Terms of Agreement
• Click in the box “I am not a robot.”
• Click “Submit Witness Slip”

Your advocacy strengthens support for I/DD services and enhances community supports for people with disabilities.

Thank you for helping advance policies that strengthen our community. Please consider sharing this message to amplify our advocacy efforts.