Late Tuesday the Trump Administration abruptly and unilaterally cut off essential funding for critical programs across the federal government. While entirely unconstitutional in its disregard of Congressional budget authority, this order will be devastating for Illinoisans if it is allowed to remain in effect. From programs that support veterans, to those that help keep communities safe, to the healthcare, meals, and childcare working families rely on to make ends meet – this order makes life more expensive and less safe for people across Illinois.
 
“What Donald Trump tried to do in the last 24 hours is illegal. When Trump and his allies published their Project 2025 Agenda, I believed them, and as they grind essential government programs to a halt, it is clear Project 2025 is exactly what they intend to do,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Here in Illinois, we know all too well the damage that can be caused by a leader holding funding hostage to advance divisive and harmful goals. As Donald Trump jeopardizes the programs our working families, seniors, veterans, and first responders rely on to do their jobs and make ends meet, I will do everything in my power to protect our people. I call on Republicans and Democrats in Congress and in all 50 states to do the same.”
 
While federal guidance has been haphazard to nonexistent and it remains unclear if the entire Medicaid system going offline was a casualty of this order or unrelated incompetence, the future of essential programs remains in jeopardy. This includes programs that allow families to afford childcare and send their kids to preschool, provide meals to seniors and prevent elder abuse, and provide mental healthcare and prevent homelessness.
 
Illinois is one of nine states that contributes more money to the federal government than it receives with Illinois residents paying nearly $6 in taxes for every $1 in direct support received from Washington.