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Coalition For Disabled Grades Lawmakers In Its First Report Card

BRIAN MACKEY / NPR ILLINOIS

The group Illinois Parents of Adults with Developmental Disabilities has published its first legislative report card.

Deb Hamilton cares for her 27-year old disabled daughter, who lives at home in the Chicago suburbs.

"I am hoping it will influence legislators' behavior, I'm hoping it will bring awareness to the specific cause itself, but also to create an awareness of what is really happening in Springfield," Hamilton said.

Legislators were ranked on ten bills. Some were widely supported, like a plan that allows disabilities individuals and their families to open tax-advantaged savings accounts.

Others were more controversial. Many Republicans’ scores were knocked down because they voted "no" on legislation to raise the wages of workers who care for the disabled. 

The governor ultimately vetoed that measure, saying Illinois can't afford it.

Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.
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