IARF Praises FY 2027 Illinois Budget for Investing in Disability Services and Workforce Support (Springfield, IL) – The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF) is applauding the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, citing key investments aimed at strengthening community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and serious mental illnesses.
The budget, approved by the Illinois General Assembly and sent to Governor JB Pritzker for consideration, includes funding increases that IARF leaders say will help address ongoing workforce shortages while supporting the long-term stability of Illinois’ disability services system.
In a statement released Tuesday, IARF President and CEO Josh Evans thanked Governor Pritzker and lawmakers for maintaining their commitment to individuals receiving services as well as the professionals who provide daily care and support.
“We thank Governor Pritzker and members of the Illinois General Assembly for their continued commitment to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and serious mental illnesses, as well as the dedicated Direct Support Professionals, frontline staff, and community organizations that support them every day,” Evans said.
Among the budget provisions highlighted by the organization is a 60-cent-per-hour wage increase for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), a workforce often considered the backbone of community-based disability services. The budget also includes funding for the zero-hour staffing model supported by IARF and included in the governor’s original budget proposal.
IARF also praised increased funding for the Illinois Behavioral Health Care Loan Repayment Program, describing it as an effective workforce development tool that helps attract and retain qualified behavioral health professionals.
According to the organization, providers across Illinois continue to face challenges related to staffing shortages, rising operational expenses, transportation costs, and growing demand for services. The budget investments are expected to help organizations recruit and retain employees while maintaining essential support services.
“The workforce investments included in this budget will help organizations recruit and retain the caring professionals who make community living possible for thousands of Illinoisans with disabilities,” Evans said.
The association also credited state leaders for working collaboratively to support Illinois’ developmental disabilities service system, noting the involvement of the governor’s office, the Illinois Department of Human Services, legislative leaders, and bipartisan lawmakers.
IARF said the budget sends an important message to individuals receiving services, their families, and service providers that Illinois remains committed to community-based care and support.
While acknowledging that additional work remains to address growing service needs, Evans described the FY 2027 budget as an important step forward.
“While important work remains to fully address the growing needs of the disability services system, this budget represents meaningful progress and provides a strong foundation for the future,” Evans said.
The organization said it looks forward to Governor Pritzker signing the budget and continuing efforts to strengthen services and supports for Illinois residents with disabilities.
IARF Praises FY 2027 Illinois Budget for Investing in Disability Services and Workforce Support
