Recent research has found that people with disabilities, and those hired to assist them, are facing problems due to Governor Bruce Rauner’s overtime rules for Illinois’ Home Services Program. The report, compiled by disability advocates, states that some 30-thousand Illinois residents are at risk of losing some in-home care due to May’s overtime cuts.
According to Gary Arnold of Living Access, the Governor’s move goes against federal overtime protections for personal assistants.
The Governor has remained firm on his position with overtime, maintaining that the restrictions will help close the gap in Illinois’ budget. The same report also found that personal assistant’s hours being restricted by the overtime rules could lead to more individuals having to rely on nursing homes that cost the state more than in-home care.
Groups like Living Access are asking Governor Rauner to suspend the overtime restrictions. Other states including California, Washington, and Oregon have set up higher weekly overtime caps for personal assistants.