Nursing home reform signed into law!

After months of trips to Springfield to talk with our legislators, hearings and negotiations, the nursing reform legislation SEIU Healthcare Illinois nursing home members and our allies fought so hard for was signed into law by Governor Quinn on July 29th. This is a great first step in our fight for quality long-term care!

As frontline caregivers, SEIU Healthcare Illinois nursing home members see firsthand the effects of Illinois’ broken long-term care system—low wages, low staffing levels and poor delivery of care for some of our state’s most vulnerable. 

On Thursday, in a room filled with advocates, the media and elected officials, Governor Quinn signed historic legislation that enacts real reforms and begins to address the poor conditions we see in our nursing homes every day. [Above: Governor Quinn with SEIU Healthcare nursing home members Yvonne Farlow and Maria Valle and Executive Vice President April Verrett after the bill signing.]

“This is an historic day for the future of long-term care in Illinois,” said SEIU Healthcare Illinois & Indiana Executive Vice President April Verrett. “It is a great first step in making long-term care facilities in our state the high quality institutions Illinois families deserve.

As these important reforms move forward, we know that there are more improvements to be made and issues that still need to be addressed. That’s why SEIU Healthcare Illinois members are committed to working with our allies and the legislature to continue this movement for real change in our state’s nursing homes.