HOME HEALTH CARE WORKERS WOULD GET A RAISE UNDER LEGISLATION APPROVED BY THE SENATE THIS WEEK.

THE BILL BOOSTS PAY FOR THOSE WHO TAKE CARE OF THE DISABLED AND ELDERLY UP TO 15 DOLLARS AN HOUR. THAT’S ABOUT A TWO DOLLAR RAISE. SENATOR MIKE HASTINGS OF TINLEY PARK SAYS THE INCREASE IS NEEDED TO KEEP WORKERS IN THE INDUSTRY.

SENATOR DALE RIGHTER OF MATTOON SAYS THE STATE JUST CAN’T AFFORD IT.

OPPONENTS SAY THE STATE CAN’T AFFORD THE RAISE, BUT HASTINGS ARGUES THAT MONEY IS SAVED IN THE LONG RUN BY KEEPING PEOPLE IN THEIR HOMES. THE BILL NOW MOVES TO THE HOUSE.