Bill Raising Caregivers' Pay Vetoed By Rauner

Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed measures that would increase the minimum wage for workers who care for those with developmental disabilities and expand a child care program for low-income families, according to the Associated Press.

The Republican governor said there simply isn't enough money to support the proposals. The Chicago Tribune reports 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. Providers say the current wage of $9.35 has led to a staffing shortage, the closure of the group homes and families without necessary assistance.

Two days prior to vetoing the bill, Rauner had acknowledged the shortage and declared that a week in September would honor the workers.

The governor said the pay hike would cost the state an additional $330 million a year and doesn't provide any way to cover the added expense.

Information provided by the State Journal-Register, AP, and Chicago Tribune