The Shriver Center condemns passage of devastating reconciliation bill

The federal budget reconciliation bill passed in the House today and is on its way to be signed by the president. It’s the worst attack on our nation’s social safety net since “welfare reform,” the sweeping budget cuts and eligibility restrictions enacted in 1996. The bill is a brazen, direct wealth transfer from people in poverty to the ultra wealthy. It rips health care, food assistance, child tax credits, student loans, and other federal assistance away from low and moderate-income people to pay for tax cuts to billionaires and the inhumane ICE mass deportation machine.  We forcefully condemn this cruel legislation.

When the bill’s provisions take effect, hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans will lose vital assistance to support their children, feed their families, go to the doctor, take care of an aging relative, or pursue higher education. Entire communities will suffer when rural or safety-net hospitals or nursing homes close, due to Medicaid cuts. The damaging ripple effects will be felt by everyone.

Unfortunately, this is just the latest in a series of federal attacks on Illinois’ budget.  The federal administration continues to illegally withhold already-appropriated funds that Illinois communities rely on.  And other budget cuts will be on the table when the annual federal budget process begins this fall.  Housing assistance is particularly at risk, but we are ready to push back against all of these looming threats.

The Shriver Center will not let residents of our state be harmed without a fight. We will provide a blueprint for Illinois that raises revenue from the wealthiest individuals and corporations to protect services for our residents. We call on the governor and General Assembly to work together thoughtfully alongside a broad coalition of our advocacy partners to enact such a plan. We won’t stop until all residents can live with dignity, regardless of race, immigration status, or gender identity.