A statewide coalition of human service workers, advocacy groups, and elected officials has come together to launch the "Living Wages, Thriving Communities" campaign. Spearheaded by Illinois Partners for Human Service (Illinois Partners), the initiative aims to secure fair wages for human service workers and increase state funding for essential services.
Rallying for Change in Springfield
On Wednesday, February 26, at noon, advocates and frontline workers will gather at the Capitol Building in Springfield, Illinois, for a rally and press conference. The coalition is calling on legislators to enact policies that ensure livable wages for human service professionals and allocate increased funding in the state budget to reflect the critical work they perform daily.
Legislative Priorities
The campaign’s key legislative asks include:
- Increased funding for human services in the FY26 state budget
- Support for the Living Wages, Thriving Communities resolution
- Investment in the Human Service Professional Loan Repayment Program
- Passage of the Human Service Equitable Pay Act
Voices from the Movement
State legislators and community leaders are joining forces with human service workers to demand economic justice and sustainable investment in the workforce.
“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 providing for their own families. It is time for legislative action to ensure fair wages.”
Cosette Ayele, Director of Advocacy and Workforce Initiatives at Illinois Partners, highlighted the urgency of the movement following Governor Pritzker’s Budget Address: “While we were pleased to hear that 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 continue to rise every year. Investing in human service workers sustains the sector as a whole and helps our communities thrive. It's time for fair pay now.”
Human service workers like Jessica Ortega, a Resource Coordinator at the Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living in Spring Valley, IL, shared the personal toll of inadequate wages: “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.”
Key Speakers at the Springfield Rally
The event will feature prominent voices in the fight for fair wages, including:
- 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 Services
About the Campaign
The Living Wages, Thriving Communities campaign is dedicated to ensuring fair wages and increased state funding for Illinois' human service workforce. By mobilizing frontline workers, human service organizations, legislators, and the public, the initiative seeks responsible investment in the well-being of all Illinoisans. The campaign aims to:
- Secure wages that allow human service workers to thrive
- Address pay inequity and advocate for fair pay now
- Confront systemic racism and sexism in wage disparities
- Push for increased state funding for human services
About Illinois Partners for Human Service
Illinois Partners represents more than 850 organizations statewide that provide vital services, including early childhood programs, after-school mentorship, job training, elder care, disability support, and advocacy for fundamental needs. Their coalition includes organizations such as the Center for Youth and Family Solutions, Caritas Family Solutions, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, and TASC.
For more information, visit [LivingWageIL.org](http://LivingWageIL.org).