On February 26, 2026, frontline human service workers, organizational leaders, advocates and state legislators joined together in Springfield for a press conference to spotlight the key priorities of the Living Wages, Thriving Communities Campaign.
Together, we lifted up the urgent need for increased investment in human service providers to support higher wages, as well as continued financial relief for frontline workers, including efforts to offset the burden of student loan debt. This advocacy event underscored why this campaign matters, not only for the sustainability of the human services workforce, but largely for the strength and well-being of our communities who rely on and benefit from these essential services. We outlined how legislators and community members alike can take action to support these critical initiatives.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our speakers for powerfully representing this work, both with their remarks at the press conference and through their ongoing leadership and advocacy in the human service sector:
- Senator Graciela Guzman (20th District)
- State Representative Yolanda Morris (9th District)
- State Representative Lindsey LaPointe (19th District)
- Sherrie Crabb, CEO (Arrowleaf)
- Cristina Alexander, Family Support Specialist (Family Focus)
- IL Partners Team members: Adela Carlin (Senior Director of Advocacy) and Cosette Ayele (outgoing Director of Advocacy & Workforce Initiatives)
We would also like to share a special thanks to other LWTC endorsers for joining us in Springfield for fair pay for human services: Mansi Patel, Dane Johnson, Brenda Solórzano, Katie Kossakowski, Sherrie L. Crabb with team members at Arrowleaf and Creola Hampton of GreaterWorks! Inc.
In the recording of the press conference, you will see LWTC campaign members discuss the Human Services Workforce Sustainability Act (HB4450//SB2883) and the Human Service Professional Loan Repayment Program (HB4362//SB2901).
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