Manley Prioritizes Cutting Government Costs, Protecting Services in New Budget

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, supported a responsible and compassionate state budget plan, furthering her goals to help manage the cost of living strain facing many Illinois families.

“Our families work hard to build a stable future here. Lawmakers need to be working just as hard to help make that a reality,” said Manley. “Heading into a tumultuous budget year it was my priority to maintain and protect the services in Illinois that communities in all corners benefit from.”

Threats from Washington could leave Illinoisans vulnerable to critical service cuts that risk healthcare affordability and accessibility for low- and middle-class families. Manley voted for the new state budget which trims $193 million in government administration costs to reinvest savings to clinics, safety net hospitals and community health centers for low- and modest-income families. Plus, Manley voted to create the Budget Reserve for Immediate Disbursements and Government Emergency Bridge Fund, positioning the state to patch potential cuts from Washington.

“This budget meets the moment,” said Manley. “While federal threats continue to cloud our progress, our state is prepared to step in and protect needed services that are facing potential cuts. No one can guess what might happen, but we are doing our best to prepare.”

As families grapple with strapped budgets due to higher costs, an unstable financial climate, and fueled by the threat of tariffs and other uncertainties, prescription drug costs are also on the rise. Manley led a successful effort (House Bill 1697) reforming pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) who deceptively raise prescription drug prices, which the governor supported earlier this year. Manley also voted for a raise in wages for live-in caregivers and direct-support professionals that will protect seniors and those with disabilities to continue treatment plans without disturbance of federal impact.