Bloomington, IL — The Democratic Party of Illinois (DPI) and Lieutenant Governor candidate Christian Mitchell joined Democratic State Central Committeeman and McLean County Democratic Chair Patrick Cortesi, State Senator Dave Koehler, State Representative Sharon Chung, McLean County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston, and candidate for McLean County Clerk Joshua Crockett on the first stop of the ‘Cost of MAGA’ press tour, slamming the federal government’s cuts to social safety net programs, specifically the Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP), that kicked more than 360,000 low-income Illinoisans off the program.
With three days until states must cover 75% of SNAP’s administrative costs, Illinois Democrats reaffirmed their commitment to protecting families from the fallout of these federal cuts. In the FY27 budget, Democrats passed legislation that provides nearly $100 million to help families afford groceries and $400 in emergency assistance for families kicked off food assistance. In addition, under Governor JB Pritzker’s administration, new grocery stores have been able to open under the Illinois Grocery Store Initiative, which works to eliminate food deserts across Illinois.
“Thanks to quick work by Illinois Democrats, families in McLean County will have access to support and resources and be able to afford their groceries on October 1,” said lieutenant gubernatorial candidate Christian Mitchell. “But let’s be clear about what happened. Trump handed Illinois taxpayers a bill the federal government used to pay, and he did it all to fund tax breaks for his wealthy friends.”
“The federal changes to SNAP and other budget cuts aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet.” said Democratic State Central Committeeman and McLean County Democrats Chair Patrick Cortesi. “They mean fewer grocery dollars being spent in our communities. They mean less business flowing through local stores and ultimately back to farmers and producers. And when families lose food assistance, the need doesn’t simply disappear – more of that need lands on food pantries, churches, non-profits, and local communities.”
“When federal cuts threaten to pull the rug out from under Illinois families relying on SNAP, the General Assembly steps up,” said State Senator Dave Koehler. “We have worked hard in Springfield to build safeguards into our state budget, buffer our local communities against harmful decisions coming out of the Trump administration, and ensure no neighbor in central Illinois goes hungry.”
“The Trump Administration’s cuts to SNAP are heartless, and they hurt those who need help the most,” said State Representative Sharon Chung. “In Springfield, we’re doing the work to combat the worst of this president’s cruel policies. I’ll always fight for the funding that protects the vulnerable and the programs that serve our communities.”
“The fabric of our society is strongest when basic needs are met in food, housing, and safety,” said McLean County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston. “I am grateful for state leaders who fight to strengthen our communities and serve our residents. These are values that set our path toward prosperity, investing in our future today.”
“Federal SNAP cuts hit close to home right here in McLean County, directly affecting working families, seniors, and children across our community,” said candidate for McLean County Clerk Joshua Crockett. “This is a critical reminder of why local government matters and why we need leaders who will fight for working families, advocate for transparency, and stand up for what is right.”
