Streator Unlimited says proposed governor’s budget will help agency

Budget could increase direct service provider wages

By Michael Feb. 24, 2020

Gov. JB Pritzker presented his budget address Wednesday, outlining plans for the 2021 fiscal year, which came with some good news for Streator Unlimited.

A proposed funding increase to the agency would increase wages for its direct care staff, giving them a $1 per hour raise starting July 1 and another $0.50 per hour on Jan. 1, 2021.

“This would help us keep up with the rising minimum wage and begin to get a little ahead of the increases, which is critical,” said a Feb. 19 news release from Streator Unlimited Director John Mallaney. “We appreciate the governor’s recognition of the importance of the work we do.”

The proposed budget would use $96 million to support raises for front line staff, according to a PowerPoint presentation from the Illinois Department of Health and Human Services.

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