2023 Illinois Legislative Successes

The 2023 Illinois legislative session was productive for SEIU Local 73 including increased wages for Direct Support Personnel, increased funding for childcare and after-school programs, and preventing union-busting legislation in public universities.

“Our political work, funded through voluntary contributions to our political action committee, COPE, gives us the ability to achieve these legislative victories,” said Jeff Howard, SEIU Local 73 Executive Vice President, “I encourage all of our members to contribute to COPE so we can continue to win on critical legislative issues.”

Increased Wages for Direct Support Personnel

Local 73 passed legislations requiring the Department of Human Services to establish reimbursement rates that build toward livable wages for front-line personnel in residential and day programs and service coordination agencies serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This will result in a $2.50 wage increase for Direct Support Personnel beginning June 30, 2023.

Increased Funding to Childcare and After-school Programs

Local 73 supported Governor Pritzker’s budget to expand childcare and after-school programs. This secured $250 million in funds which will go to JUF centers where our members provide essential childcare and after-school programs. In addition, this legislation will also provide construction grants to improve facilities.

Blocked Union Busting at Public Universities

Our union prevented union-busting legislation that sought to get rid of state residency requirement for civil service jobs at state universities. This legislation was another step towards undermining the right to a union in state universities by eroding bargaining units with non-union workers.

If these universities cared about the people and communities they serve they would:

• Offer competitive salaries to entice experienced and qualified employees to apply.
• Invest in staff and patient safety on the job.
• Collaborate with the union to address poor working conditions and unfair treatment in the workplace so that new hires STAY at the job.

Preserved Integrity of Cook County Pension Fund

Local 73 blocked legislation which would have allowed Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle to appoint two new members of the Pension Fund Board. This legislation had the potential to create an unbalanced board which could undermine the pension fund for workers.

Charter School Neutrality

Local 73, Illinois Federation of Teachers, and Illinois Education Association scored a victory with the passage of HB1120. The bill protects Illinois educators from intimidation, retaliation and interference when they organize to join a union in privately operated charter schools, a move that will help educators improve the teaching and learning conditions in their schools.