For immediate release: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Contact: Laurie R. Glenn | (773) 704-7246 | LrGlenn@ThinkStrategy.com
What:
Illinois legislators join health care advocates at a news conference to stand up for hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans at risk of losing health coverage if Republicans succeed in passing Medicaid cuts.
The Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) provision of the Reconciliation Act includes a coercive policy that would cut federal matching dollars to as many as 38 states that offer health coverage to lawfully present or undocumented immigrants. This provision would not go into effect until October 2027, giving the state time to thoughtfully respond and see how any lawsuits play out. States have the right to use their own taxpayer dollars to fund coverage for state residents. The Senate may alter the FMAP provision. Legislators need to stand strong and prioritize Illinoisans.
“The targeted cuts to healthcare funding are just the opening round in an all-out attack on working people across America,” said Enddy Almonord, director of the Healthy Illinois Campaign. “It’s critical that we come together now and reject this politics of division and fear. If we falter now in defense of healthcare for all Illinoisans, the next targets will be state-funded programs for maternal health, children’s health coverage, reproductive choice, HIV/AIDS prevention and more. All eyes are on Springfield as now is the moment to stand together and show whose side we’re on.”
Who:
Speakers include:
- State Sen. Graciela Guzman (D-20th)
- Additional leaders from both chambers of Illinois’ General Assembly
- Enddy Almonord, director of the Healthy Illinois Campaign
- Aces Lira, senior manager, policy and advocacy, AIDS Foundation of Chicago
- Liliana Olayo, parent leader, Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI)
When & Where:
- 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2025
- Illinois Capitol Building Rotunda, 401 S. 2nd St., Springfield, IL
- Facebook Live stream link