Illinois Joins States Opposing Federal Rollback of Minimum Wage for Home Health Workers

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor has joined Pennsylvania and other states in opposing a proposed federal rule that would roll back minimum wage and overtime protections for home health care workers. State officials said the change could lower pay and create confusion nationwide, though Illinois’ $15 minimum wage and other protections remain in place. Through the Community Care Program, in-home care workers in Illinois are paid $18 an hour, and many also benefit from union contracts. The federal proposal would undo safeguards ensuring workers receive at least the federal minimum wage in an industry where wage theft is common.