South Central Reporter

Illinois Rep. Charlie Meier is asking for better treatment and more protection of residents of Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) program homes.

Meier (R-108) who was first elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 2013, has spoken out recently on their treatment via social media. He recently shared a story by KSDK which claims many residents in CILA homes aren't getting the care or attention they need.

“This is the story on CILAs,” Meier posted on Facebook Nov. 3.

Up to eight unrelated adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often reside in the taxpayer funded CILA homes, which are licensed and funded by the state and operated by a private community development service agency, according to the KSDK report.

Meier also shared that he gave blood while on a trip in Tennessee.

"I was able to donate blood in Nashville this week. #feelsgoodtohelp #americanredcross," he wrote in a Facebook post.

Meier also shared the story of Peggy Strong, whose daughter Marjorie suffers from Phelan-McDermidy syndrome, which causes severe intellectual and physical problems. She also has muscular dystrophy, according to the Metro East Sun, and Strong said Marjorie can't get the help she needs while living with several others in a CILA home.

Strong is another who is campaigning for better treatment of adults with IDD. In Marjorie's case, she developed stomach ulcers and couldn't keep food down, possibly because she wasn't being fed enough, but, as she is nonverbal, can't communicate with staff, the Metro East Sun reported.

“I think we need more oversight," Strong told KSDK.

When asked by the station about his thoughts on the CILA homes, Meier said improvements need to be made.

“Not yet," he said when asked if enough was being done, adding staffing shortages contribute to the problem.

“Somebody has got to be there to watch out for them,” Meier said.

According to his legislative biography on the Illinois General Assembly website, Meier spent six years on the Washington County Board, where he lives on his family's farm. He was awarded the State of Illinois Conservation Farm Family of the Year in 2009.