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Illinois Partners for Human Service launched its Living Wages, Thriving Communities campaign Tuesday, calling for fair pay and sustainable funding for human service workers across the state.
The campaign kicked off with a rally and press conference at noon in the Capitol rotunda, where advocates, community leaders, frontline workers, and state legislators urged immediate action. The campaign’s legislative priorities include:
Increased funding for human services in the fiscal year 2026 state budgetSupport for the Living Wages, Thriving Communities resolutionInvestment in the Human Service Professional Loan Repayment ProgramSupport for the Human Service Equitable Pay ActState legislators joined human service workers in emphasizing the need for fair compensation and long-term workforce investment.
“Human service workers provide critical services to Illinoisans,” said state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago. “As a social worker, I understand both the challenges our workforce faces and the importance of their work. Just as human service workers support our communities, we must support them with legislation that ensures fair and living wages.”
State Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, echoed that message.
“As a strong advocate for our healthcare workforce, I’m proud to support the Living Wages, Thriving Communities resolution,” West said. “Human service workers are the cornerstone of health and well-being in our communities. A fair wage is essential to helping workers, their families, and their communities thrive.”
Lauren Wright, executive director of Illinois Partners, underscored the need for sustainable funding.
“For too long, frontline human service workers have been underpaid and undervalued, leading to burnout, high turnover, and instability in our sector,” Wright said. “With 82% of frontline workers reporting earnings below a living wage, Illinois must take bold action to invest in the people who care for our communities every day.”
Human service professionals also shared their personal experiences.
“We do this work because we care about people, but care doesn’t pay the bills,” said Tionna Menzies, a case manager at Anew. “We need wages that allow us to stay in these roles and continue serving our communities.”
Sherrie Crabb, CEO of Arrowleaf, a human services organization in Southern Illinois, stressed the urgency of fair pay.
“When human service workers thrive, our communities thrive,” Crabb said. “Illinois must invest in services that support our most vulnerable citizens because stronger human services mean a stronger Illinois.”
Dara Munson, president and CEO of Family Focus in Chicago, called the rally a powerful statement on workforce investment.
“Investing in the human services workforce isn’t just a budget decision—it’s a reflection of our values,” Munson said. “When we amplify the voices of human service workers, we create thriving, more equitable communities for all.”
Following the rally, attendees met with legislators to discuss the campaign’s priorities and advocate for policy changes. The event concluded with a debrief session where advocates reflected on their experiences and shared their hopes for the future of Illinois’ human services workforce.
For more information on the Living Wages, Thriving Communities campaign, visit LivingWageIL.org.\Photo Credit: Aaron Cynic