State Senator Celina Villanueva is championing Senate Bill 1617, aiming to boost wages for Illinois Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who care for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The legislation would require the Illinois Department of Human Services to increase reimbursement rates for agencies employing DSPs, supporting a proposed $2 per hour wage hike by July 2025, pending federal approval. Advocates highlight that nearly half of DSPs currently rely on public assistance due to low pay. The bill, now with the Senate Appropriations – Health and Human Services Committee, seeks to ensure DSP compensation aligns with the vital nature of their work.