Jiménez Discusses Federal Cuts, Future of Community in Town Hall Meeting

CHICAGO — State Rep. Lilian Jiménez, D-Chicago, joined Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vásquez at a town hall hosted by Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez following a roundtable discussion with community leaders and stakeholders on the federal budget appropriations bill and the MELT ICE Act. The town hall addressed urgent concerns impacting the 4th District, including immigration, health care, and looming federal funding cuts that threaten working families and vulnerable communities. 

“I know my constituents are deeply concerned and they have every right to be,” said Jiménez. “The Trump Administration’s reckless decisions are putting real people at risk. We are not going to stay silent while our communities are harmed. My commitment is to stand with residents, confront these attacks head-on, and fight for real solutions that protect Illinois families.”

The town hall, held Wednesday afternoon at a local elementary school, focused on the theme Fighting Back Through Intergovernmental Collaboration. Rep. Jiménez spoke candidly about the concrete actions being taken at the state level to push back against harmful federal policies and mitigate their impact on local communities. She highlighted key initiatives, including her Safe Schools for All bill, the recently passed SALT Act, and the establishment of the Illinois Accountability Commission. Rep. Jiménez also emphasized her continued advocacy for progressive revenue sources to ensure that critical social and health programs can be sustained through state funding when federal support falls short.

The event concluded with an open, live Q&A where residents voiced their fears, frustration, and determination in the face of federal budget cuts. The message from both leaders was clear: when vulnerable communities are on the line, backing down is not an option—and neither is staying quiet.

“Accessibility, affordability, and safety remain at the center of my legislative agenda,” said Jiménez. “This session, I am committed to speaking out and pushing back when federal actions harm our communities. The Trump Administration continues to treat working families and vulnerable Illinoisans as expendable, and that is unacceptable. I will work alongside my colleagues at every level of government to hold federal leadership accountable and advance legislation that protects our residents. We are not backing down because too much is at stake for the people of Illinois.”