Illinois Bills Aimed To Help State’s Most Vulnerable Vetoed

Bruce Rauner
Gov. Bruce Rauner in Springfield in May 2016. Seth Perlman / Associated Press
Bruce Rauner
Gov. Bruce Rauner in Springfield in May 2016. Seth Perlman / Associated Press

Illinois Bills Aimed To Help State’s Most Vulnerable Vetoed

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Bruce Rauner has vetoed measures that would increase wages for workers who care for those with developmental disabilities and expand a child care program for low-income families.

The Republican governor said there isn’t enough money to support the proposals.

The Chicago Tribune reports that he has used the same argument to block social service funding efforts during the budget impasse.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees pushed legislation that would increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour for workers who help the developmentally disabled with daily tasks. Providers say the current average hourly wage of $9.35 has led to a staffing shortage, the closure of group homes and families without necessary assistance.

Rauner also vetoed a bill that would’ve expanded eligibility requirements for low-income families to receive child care.