09/08/2026
Project NOW was proud to host a Labor Day affordability roundtable with Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth. The hour and a half discussion touched on proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP food benefits which Duckworth says will hurt many already on the edge of survival. Recent reports say 38% of Illinois families cannot make ends meet and the group of Quad City leaders recommended some federal law changes to reverse or lessen the blow. Affordable housing advocates said not only do we need more units, but with increasing rents, a worker needs to make $21.98 an hour to afford a two bedroom apartment in the Quad Cities – – which is unrealistic for many workers. The leaders also suggested government funding be more flexible and have fewer rules so local providers can do their jobs. Other recommendations include getting politics out of the budget making process, providing additional money for childcare, making multi-year budgets for HUD and community healthcare, and vote against the proposed changes to Head Start regulations which would rollback standards for teachers and staff. We love when lawmakers hear from people on the ground to really understand what’s happening. Thank you, Senator Duckworth!
