SPRINGFIELD, IL – On Thursday, legislation sponsored by State Representative Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) passed unanimously through the Mental Health and Addiction Committee. The legislation HB4542 expands the definition of a person’s “in one’s own home” in Illinois law, helping service providers better meet the needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The initiative was brought to Rep. Grant by STARS Family Services, which operates three homes with six beds each, and provides short-term respite support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By expanding the definition of “in one’s own home,” providers like STARS would be able to fully utilize their homes and increase the availability of alternative residential service options for adults seeking services outside the Home and Community-Based Services program.
“This is a practical step that can help open more opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities and their families,” Grant said. “Allowing providers to fully utilize their homes could help address the thousands of eligible adults currently waiting for services on the PUNS list.”
Grant said she is committed to working with stakeholders to address concerns through amendment language while moving the bill forward in the legislative process.
For more information, please contact State Representative Amy Grant’s district office at 331-218-4182.
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State Representative Amy Grant, is currently in her 4th term as State Representative in the General Assembly. The 47th district is made up of several communities in DuPage County, including Naperville, Warrenville, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lisle, Carol Stream, Bartlett, West Chicago, Winfield, and Wayne.