Statewide Coalition of Workers, Advocates, and Elected Officials Join Forces to Launch “Living Wages, Thriving Communities” Campaign (Chicago, IL) – Illinois Partners for Human Service (Illinois Partners) has launched the “Living Wages, Thriving Communities” campaign to advocate for fair wages for human service workers. This campaign brings together a powerful coalition of frontline workers, advocacy groups, and state legislators from across Illinois to demand a living wage for workers and increased state funding for human services.
On Wednesday, February 26, at noon, advocates, community leaders, and human service workers will gather in the rotunda of the Capitol Building in Springfield, Illinois, for a pivotal rally and press conference. The coalition will push for policy changes that ensure human service workers are paid livable wages and that state budgets reflect the critical work these professionals perform daily.
Legislative Asks for the Campaign:
- Increased Funding to Human Services in the FY26 State Budget
- Support of the Living Wages, Thriving Communities Resolution
- Investment in the Human Service Professional Loan Repayment Program
- Support of the Human Service Equitable Pay Act
State legislators and community leaders will stand in solidarity with human service workers, elevating their calls for economic justice and sustainable investment in the workforce.
A Statewide Call to Action
“We cannot continue to overlook our neighbors who provide essential services to our communities,” said State Representative Lindsey LaPointe (IL-19). “Our frontline human service workers should not have to choose between serving their communities and being able to provide for their own families. It is time for legislative action to ensure fair wages.”
Cosette Ayele, Director of Advocacy and Workforce Initiatives of Illinois Partners, emphasized the urgency of the movement, especially following today’s Budget Address from Governor Pritzker: “While we were pleased to hear there wouldn’t be cuts in human services funding, we know that funding is still 25% less today than it was 25 years ago. We need increased funding, as operational costs in the sector continue to rise every year. Investing in human service workers sustains the sector as a whole and helps our communities to thrive. It’s time for fair pay now.”
Jessica Ortega, Resource Coordinator at Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living, based in Spring Valley, IL shared: “The financial strain on human service workers is real. I had to take on another part-time job just to help cover basic bills—taking away time from my family. Across our sector, workers are sacrificing their own well-being to continue serving their communities. We are not asking for luxury—we are asking for the bare minimum: a wage that allows us to live, not just survive.”
Confirmed speakers for the February 26 Springfield Rally & Press Conference include:
- State Senator Karina Villa, MSW(IL-25)
- State Representative Maurice West(IL 67)
- State Representative Lindsey LaPointe(IL-19)
- Jessica Ortega, Resource Coordinator, IVCIL (Spring Valley, IL)
- Tionna Menzies, Case Manager, Anew: Building Beyond Violence & Abuse (Chicagoland)
- Dara Munson, President & CEO, Family Focus (Chicago, IL)
- Sherrie Crabb, CEO, Arrowleaf (Vienna, IL)
- Lauren Wright, Executive Director, Illinois Partners for Human Service
- Cosette Ayele, Director of Advocacy and Workforce Initiatives, Illinois Partners for Human Service
- Adela Carlin, Senior Director of Training and Community Partnerships, Illinois Partners for Human Service
About Living Wages, Thriving Communities
The Living Wages, Thriving Communities campaign is dedicated to ensuring fair wages and increased state funding for the human services workforce in Illinois. By engaging frontline workers, human service organizations, coalition partners, legislators, and the public, this initiative is pushing for responsible investment in the well-being of all Illinoisans. The Living Wages, Thriving Communities campaign is committed to securing wages that allow human service workers to not just survive, but thrive. The initiative aims to address pay inequity and push for Fair Pay Now, confront systemic racism and sexism in wage disparities, and advocate for increased state funding for human services.
About Illinois Partners for Human Service
Illinois Partners represents more than 850 organizations across the state, providing critical services including early childhood programs, after-school mentorship and safe spaces, job training and workforce development, support for older adults, resources for individuals with physical and mental disabilities, and advocacy for fundamental needs. Illinois Partners’ coalition includes organizations like the Center for Youth and Family Solutions, Caritas Family Solutions, Lutheran Social Services of IL, TASC, and more.
For more information, visit: LivingWageIL.org
Statewide Coalition of Workers, Advocates, and Elected Officials Join Forces to Launch “Living Wages, Thriving Communities” Campaign
