HR0164LRB104 12531 LAW 22959 r HR0164 LRB104 12531 LAW 22959 r HR0164 LRB104 12531 LAW 22959 r 1 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 2 WHEREAS, The State of Illinois is committed to ensuring 3 equal access, inclusion, and mobility for all residents, 4 including individuals with intellectual and developmental 5 disabilities (ID/DD); and 6 WHEREAS, Accessible and reliable transportation is 7 essential for individuals with ID/DD to live independently, 8 access healthcare, pursue education and employment 9 opportunities, and fully participate in their communities; and 10 WHEREAS, Many service providers rely on the transportation 11 system to support individuals with ID/DD in achieving their 12 fullest potential, making equitable transportation policy a 13 fundamental necessity; and 14 WHEREAS, These transportation providers often face funding 15 challenges, operational barriers, and resource limitations 16 that hinder their ability to adequately serve the ID/DD 17 community; and 18 WHEREAS, Proper support for these providers is necessary 19 to maintain and expand transportation services that enable 20 individuals with ID/DD to live their fullest lives; and HR0164 LRB104 12531 LAW 22959 r HR0164- 2 -LRB104 12531 LAW 22959 r HR0164 - 2 - LRB104 12531 LAW 22959 r HR0164 - 2 - LRB104 12531 LAW 22959 r 1 WHEREAS, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and 2 other federal and State laws require that transportation 3 systems accommodate individuals with disabilities, yet ongoing 4 challenges persist in ensuring that public and private 5 transportation options fully meet the needs of the ID/DD 6 community; and 7 WHEREAS, Investments in accessible transit infrastructure, 8 paratransit services, and innovative mobility solutions will 9 enhance the quality of life for individuals with ID/DD and 10 promote their independence; and 11 WHEREAS, Transportation planning and funding decisions 12 must incorporate comprehensive input from the ID/DD community, 13 advocates, service providers, and other stakeholders to ensure 14 equitable outcomes; therefore, be it 15 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE 16 HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE 17 SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that any transportation legislative 18 package considered by the Illinois General Assembly should 19 include complete consideration of the needs of the individuals 20 with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) 21 community, including, but not limited to, accessibility, 22 affordability, availability of transportation options, and the 23 needs of providers who support individuals with ID/DD; and be HR0164 - 2 - LRB104 12531 LAW 22959 r HR0164- 3 -LRB104 12531 LAW 22959 r HR0164 - 3 - LRB104 12531 LAW 22959 r HR0164 - 3 - LRB104 12531 LAW 22959 r 1 it further 2 RESOLVED, That we urge State agencies, regional planning 3 organizations, and transportation providers to prioritize 4 accessibility, stakeholder engagement, and equitable 5 investment in transportation infrastructure to better serve 6 individuals with ID/DD; and be it further 7 RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be 8 delivered to the Governor, the Secretary of the Illinois 9 Department of Transportation, the Chair of the Illinois State 10 Toll Highway Authority, the Directors of the Regional 11 Transportation Authority, and the leadership of all relevant 12 legislative committees. HR0164 - 3 - LRB104 12531 LAW 22959 r