Care of the most vulnerable at stake in SB 1229

Anxious about the impact of a strike or lockout of state employees, family members of residents in state developmental centers are hoping the Illinois House will follow the Senate and override the Governor’s veto of SB1229. The bill would provide the option of arbitration to settle the state contract without disruption of state services. The state developmental centers provide care to people with developmental disabilities, many with serious medical or behavioral issues that require 24/7 access to medical care and highly trained staff.

“I know that a strike or lockout could hurt hundreds of very vulnerable people whose families are unable to care for them.  Many people at Shapiro need help to eat, bathe, and dress. A strike would bring dangerous conditions,” said Sally Chappell, mother of a resident at Shapiro Developmental Center in Kankakee.

AFSCME has pressed for SB1229 in response to Governor Rauner’s focus on confrontation rather than on negotiating a fair contract at the bargaining table. The legislation provides for an impartial arbitrator if the two sides cannot come to agreement.    

“The thought of a work stoppage, due to a strike or lockout, is terrifying. Few of us would be able to safely accommodate our loved ones in our homes, said Liz Gersbacher, guardian of two Choate Developmental Center residents. “I am supporting the override of the Governor’s veto of SB1229, a reasonable means of resolving an impasse during contract negotiations. The stakes are very high for our loved ones.”

On August 19, the Illinois Senate voted to override the Governor’s veto of SB 1229. Now state employees, joined by family members of state developmental center residents and other concerned citizens, are urging the Illinois House to follow suit.