Press Room

Illinois’ 2026 budget was a crucial test of the state’s willingness to fight the ongoing federal attacks on our social safety net and the basic rights of our residents. Unfortunately, lawmakers failed to deliver a bill to protect Illinois from potentially devasting cuts to Medicaid and other essential programs that support low-income families.

Despite the challenging climate, our advocates are working tirelessly to win support for our legislative agenda for Illinois, which envisions a state where everyone can thrive. While it’s impossible to predict how the legislative and budget processes will play out, we’re ready to meet the moment.

The Shriver Center's Hana Urban spoke to Stephanie Altman, director of healthcare justice and senior director of policy, to discuss what cuts to Medicaid could mean for Illinois and lessons from the first Trump administration.

Despite threats at the federal level to cut essential anti-poverty programs, our mission to advance economic and racial justice remains steadfast. In our 2025 legislative plan for Illinois, we continue to build on decades of success in Springfield. Read our full list of proposed bills that help create a state where everyone can thrive.

The Shriver Center on Poverty Law is taking action in the face of unprecedented threats to democracy and the social safety net. Our 2025 legislative agenda bolsters the anti-poverty programs and benefits residents rely on. From providing cash assistance to struggling families and increasing worker protections, to removing barriers to housing; our proposed legislation creates a fairer state where everyone can thrive.

According to the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau, $88 billion in unpaid medical bills are in the hands of debt collectors. That’s more than any other type of personal debt. One unexpected procedure or sudden loss of employment can have devastating financial consequences for families and individuals in need of health care.

Last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid approved the state’s application to use Medicaid funds for assistance with nutrition, housing, violence reduction and prevention, and transitions out of incarceration. It makes Illinois the first state to tackle such a broad range of social factors through Medicaid.  

Stephani Becker, the assistant director of health justice for the Shriver Center, recently spoke about the significance of the exchange and our continued efforts to expand health care to everyone in Illinois.