CHICAGO – In response to news that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled many of Trump’s tariffs illegal, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, issued the following statement:

“Today is a great day for America. From the industries hampered in global trade to the millions of everyday Americans who have actually paid the price, we have long known that the Trump administration’s plan to increase our economy’s reliance on the imposition of tariffs was ill- conceived. Last year, his tariffs cost American families an additional $160 billion, and if they weren’t stopped, they would cost us even more in 2026.

“I am proud of the Supreme Court, which has three Trump appointees, for doing the right thing and fulfilling their duty as a check on the executive branch by stopping these tariffs’ destructive effects on America’s working families. Today’s victory reiterates that right and wrong know no party lines, and that our nation’s institutions are still preserving our democracy in these unprecedented times.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, outlined his vision for our state’s budget after Wednesday’s State of the State address in the following statement:

“While the chaotic agenda coming out of Washington is focused on tearing down communities by going after their access to health care, ripping away their constitutional rights and weakening decades-old protections for minorities, I am focused on building a better, more inclusive state for all people.

“That work starts with building a better budget that addresses the needs of all people — not just millionaires, billionaires and the most influential multinational corporations. I’m talking about a budget that expands access to health care, invests in disinvested communities and serves the interests of the people instead of special interests.

“Nonetheless, Illinois is one state in a system of 50, and we are limited by that — no amount of budgetary discipline or foresight can make up for the reduction in federal funds the state receives. To achieve our vision for a truly socially and fiscally responsible budget, we need more financial support from the federal government to protect the most vulnerable residents in our state instead of weakening social safety net programs, more resources for safety-net hospitals, community health centers and other organizations that provide health care instead of raising costs for working families, stronger support for our schools and colleges instead of silencing free speech on campus, and action to address the lack of affordable housing and the feeling that homeownership is out of reach for many Americans. We need the federal government to help us address these issues.

“I call on President Donald Trump to recommit to his oath to protect our Constitution and our communities by utilizing our federal resources to make sure that no one in Illinois is left behind, because no community or level of government is unaffected by the affordability crisis and Washington’s decisions to delay the release of federal funds. When they target Democratic-majority states for cuts, they indiscriminately harm our cities, counties, towns and villages throughout the state. These smaller entities have less flexibility to respond to the effects of Washington’s policies, and we must make sure that the federal government works not only with the state but with them as well to make sure that all Illinoisans get what they deserve.”

CHICAGO – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, joined health care workers, advocates and community leaders to highlight the urgent need to protect the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, which helps ensure affordable access to prescription drugs for working families across Illinois.

“As Donald Trump and his allies continue attacking health care at the federal level, Illinois must step up and protect our people,” Ford said. “This bill is about defending access to affordable medicine and stopping corporate interference that puts profits over patients.”

Ford is continuing to fight for a lower cost-of-living with House Bill 2371, which would make it a violation under Illinois law to interfere with the 340B program or restrict access to prescription drugs intended for eligible hospitals, clinics and community health centers serving underserved populations. The 340B program has long been a lifeline for safety-net providers operating on razor-thin margins. By allowing eligible providers to purchase prescription drugs at reduced prices, the program helps keep clinics open, expand services and ensure patients can afford the medications they need to survive. Ford warned that ongoing federal efforts threaten to undermine the 340B program nationwide, making state-level action more critical than ever.

“Health care is a human right, not a privilege for the wealthy,” Ford said. “House Bill 2371 sends a clear message: in Illinois, we will not allow drug companies or political extremists to block access to life-saving medication. We will stand with patients, providers and working families.”

Ford called on his colleagues in the General Assembly to support House Bill 2371 and reaffirm Illinois’ commitment to being a hub for opportunity, affordability and equitable access to health care.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. LaShawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, is speaking out against the illegal actions undertaken by the Trump administration, passing official condemnations of some of its most egregious policy decisions, including drastic cuts to child care and family lifelines, failure to reinstate healthcare subsidies to prevent millions of Americans’ healthcare costs from skyrocketing, and a deadly immigration enforcement campaign that has killed nearly 50 individuals, including U.S. citizens.

“Before he took office, Trump told us that he was going to bring down the cost of eggs and address the most pressing issues facing Americans,” said Ford. “Instead, he has been busy gutting the programs they depend on, detaining their neighbors and jacking up the cost of health care until it is simply out of reach.”

The Ford-backed resolutions call out Trump’s reckless actions, which include failing to extend subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), targeting working families by withholding hundreds of millions of dollars in child care funding from blue states, and overseeing months of illegal detainment, disregard for due process, and senseless shootings that have scarred cities across America under Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem’s command.

Ford voted to:

• Urge Congress to reinstate healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to keep healthcare affordable and accessible for over 500,000 Illinoisans who depend on the ACA marketplace, through House Resolution 620.
• Call for the immediate release of the $10 billion in child care funds frozen across Democratic-majority states, including over $1 billion for Illinois families and children facing poverty, chronic illness, or disability, through House Resolution 621.
• Condemn the excessive and deadly force deployed by civil immigration agents under the direction of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, calling for her immediate resignation and an independent investigation into committed, directed, or covered-up acts of violence, killings, and deaths in immigration custody, through House Resolution 622.

“The Trump administration has taken historic actions to disrupt our democracy and diminish everyday Americans’ ability to afford the essentials,” said Ford. “I will continue to work to pass policies that counter his agenda’s most harmful effects on our community as Trump and his allies flout the rule of law, further rig the economy and refuse to take any significant steps to confront the escalating inequality and affordability crisis in America.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, led passage of a House Resolution this week honoring the impactful life of South Side icon Joseph Caldwell Sr., a trailblazing tailor and
leading Black business owner.

“Joseph Caldwell Sr. was a community pillar for decades in Chicago,” Ford said. “He didn’t just succeed in Chicago, he took root and worked hard for decades to help others as well.”

Born in Arkansas, Caldwell would first move to Chicago at age 16 before later serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Upon returning, Caldwell attended a tailoring school and opened TailoRite Cleaners in 1956 along with fellow veterans. The business thrived, and over the decades Caldwell would work with mayors, the Chicago White Sox and other influential figures. He continued to come into his shop into his 90s, and was featured earlier this year in Vogue.

Caldwell was also active in religious, charitable, political, business and civic organizations.

“He’s irreplaceable,” Ford said. “A pioneer who overcame significant obstacles, he will remain an inspiration for many. I’m forever grateful for his contributions, this city was blessed to have him.”

The full text of House Resolution 533 can be viewed here.

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.

CHICAGO – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, is expressing grave concern over the Trump Administration’s recent actions that could lead to the criminalization of homeless individuals and those struggling with substance use disorders.

“As we await the possibility of a destabilizing deployment of the National Guard here at home, it’s important to look at what has already happened in Washington and how the unhoused community has been targeted,” Ford said. “Coupled with Trump’s recent executive order on homelessness, it’s clear that this administration is willing to use vulnerable populations as political pawns instead of treating these individuals with the dignity and care they deserve.”

Homelessness advocates condemned the president’s July executive order on homelessness, noting that it calls for forced institutionalism, violates privacy protections and damages proven strategies to help individuals access baseline housing. When Trump directed the National Guard into Washington last month, he further emphasized the removal of the city’s homeless population. And now the administration is threatening action in Chicago.

“Creating more pain isn’t the answer,” Ford said. “We need a compassionate, human-centered approach that prioritizes funding for affordable housing and supportive services, ensuring that individuals in need receive the help they deserve rather than facing punitive measures.”

Ford’s concerns are echoed by Mark G. Mulroe, President of A Safe Haven Foundation.

“This is a very troubling time for all of us, especially in light of the threat by the federal executive branch deploying troops in our streets,” Mulroe said. “There is widespread agreement on the need to reduce crime and violence, implement a more reliable and just immigration system, and address the crisis of homelessness and the lack of affordable housing. These are fundamental issues where all individuals can find common ground. As citizens, we rely on our federal, state and local governments to work in cooperation to achieve these goals.

“Yet right now, it feels as though our federal system is focused solely on short-term impacts, relying on demonstrations of force rather than working with communities on sustainable, long-term solutions. If there were a genuine effort to address these challenges, the federal government would collaborate with local authorities to balance immediate actions with solutions that produce lasting positive outcomes.

“This short-term approach comes on the heels of funding cuts to programs that stabilize our communities, including local support from federal law enforcement (ATF, FBI, DEA), violence prevention initiatives, mental health treatment, Medicaid, vocational training and other critical support systems. Federal resources would be far better allocated to improving coordination and efficiency between federal and local programs—not dismantling them.

“We were told that the federal actions being implemented were to go after the ‘bad actors and violent criminals.’ Instead, federal actions appear to be targeting immigrants who are striving to comply with the law, deploying National Guard units not trained for public safety or law enforcement, and further marginalizing individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty and mental health challenges. This approach criminalizes those already in crisis, rather than helping them find stability.

“At A Safe Haven Foundation, we will continue to advocate for individuals whose voices are not being heard. We will provide housing, treatment, vocational training, and other essential services for those in crisis. It is our hope that leaders at every level of government will partner with us to support programs that produce meaningful, long-term change. We look forward to working with leaders like Rep. Ford and other legislators to take action on these urgent issues and create solutions that have a lasting impact.”

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.

CHICAGO – With Aug. 31 marking International Overdose Awareness Day, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, is remembering those we have lost and calling for further action on all levels of government to support those in need and save lives.

“Every life is precious, and we have to work together to stop these preventable tragedies,” Ford said. “I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact of our harm reduction community. Overdose deaths are dropping nationwide, but we have to keep pushing forward – especially here in Chicago, where we do not yet see a decline in overdose deaths among Black men. We have to close this gap, but we cannot have new hurdles thrown up cruelly by Washington.”

In recent months, amongst other healthcare cuts, the Trump Administration has looked to delay and possibly cut support for lifesaving addiction and overdose services. This critical funding is used to curb overdose deaths caused by fentanyl, methamphetamines and other drugs.

“Instead of building on our positive steps forward, Trump’s dangerous policies are threatening our progress,” Ford said. “His Medicaid cuts will strip treatment from families and destabilize clinics that rely on Medicaid funding. Even worse, his plan to lock up people experiencing homelessness and addiction is a direct attack on harm reduction and on public health. This cruel, punitive approach will senselessly cost lives.

“This crisis is not a crime wave – it is a public health emergency,” Ford said. “Jail cells will not end overdoses. But commonsense treatment, Medicaid and harm reduction will.

“Today we remember the lives we have lost, as well as the lives that still hang in the balance,” Ford said. “Let’s work together and do everything we can to save them.”

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.

CHICAGO – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, and Congressman Danny K. Davis will stand with family members of those lost to overdoses this Friday to share stories of remembrance, as well as deliver a message of hope as we look to strengthen support for those in need.

Ford, Davis, family members and local leaders will speak at a press conference at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of W. Corcoran Pl. and N. Central Ave. on Chicago’s West Side before leading a community march at 10 a.m. to 5645 W. Corcoran Pl. There, a resource fair will provide attendees critical health resources and material related to overdose awareness.

“Every overdose is a tragedy that hurts families and leaves a hole in our community,” said Ford. “I’m grateful for these brave families who have decided to turn grief into action. We must continue to push forward for better, commonsense resources and harm reduction services that value every single life. Together we can make a difference and save lives.”

“This year’s theme for International Overdose Awareness Day — One Big Family Driven By Hope — holds deep personal meaning for me,” said Pastor Fanya Burford-Berry, Director of the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force. “I have experienced the pain of losing my brother-in-law, Skipper, and my cousin, Stephanie, to overdose. As the director of the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force, my commitment to this work is fueled by the hope that every person who uses drugs has the opportunity to seek recovery without judgment. IOAD is not only about honoring the lives we have lost, but also about standing together as one family — connecting people with the resources they need to stay alive, find healing, and move toward recovery.”

This year’s gathering comes during a time of uncertainty as the Trump Administration looks to delay and possibly cut critical support for lifesaving addiction and overdose services. Such funding is used to curb overdose deaths caused by fentanyl, methamphetamines and other drugs.

“We need to send a clear and urgent message to Washington that this funding needs to be protected,” said Ford. “The consequences of such a shortsighted decision will cost lives and hurt communities for years to come. Let’s choose to be compassionate leaders. Let’s choose a better path forward.”

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.

Who: State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, Illinois Harm Reduction and Recovery Coalition, HOPE, Pastor Fanya Burford- Berry, Dr. Twin Green, Dr. Deondré Rutues, Sheila Hanneike, Shelia Blockson, Ed Boone, LaDarius Curtis, Regina Lewis and Rev. Jones

What: Press conference marking International Overdose Awareness Day, free community resource fair

When: Friday, Aug. 29; 9:30 a.m.

Where: Corner of W. Corcoran Pl. and N. Central Ave., Chicago (Resource fair will take place nearby at 5645 W.
Corcoran Pl.)

BROOKFIELD, Ill. – In response to President Donald Trump’s new law expected to harm Illinois families by increasing costs, reducing healthcare, and cutting essential programs, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will join Indivisible’s West Suburban Chicago chapter for a community conversation on Wednesday, July 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Brookfield Public Library, located at 3541 Park Ave. in Brookfield.

Congressman Sean Casten (D-6th) also will join the meeting. Space is limited and pre-registration is required to attend the meeting. To register, go to https://www.indivisiblewsc.org/.

“This reckless bill betrays working families, harms our most vulnerable, and adds more uncertainty for Illinois. We cannot sit back and believe there is nothing we can do about the damage this new law will inflict on American families. People must understand that those who care will not accept this as our new normal. We will not retreat or tolerate a system that is supposed to uplift our nation, but instead will destroy the gains this country has made to benefit the wealthy few. While the General Assembly correctly anticipated opposition from D.C. Republicans, our planning has its limits. The federal government should be a strong partner in our shared goals to uplift residents, but we are on our own right now. We must discuss what is happening and find a better way to protect our state,” said Ford.

The Trump and Washington Republican budget bill includes sharp cuts to critical programs Illinois residents rely on, such as Medicaid and nutrition assistance. For Ford, who chairs the Illinois House Appropriations- Higher Education Committee, the Republican measure also makes college less affordable by slashing student aid and eliminating loan protections.

“Pricing out families when it comes to college closes doors to opportunity and will hurt many communities for years to come,” Ford said. “I’m looking forward to joining Indivisible West Suburban Chicago to discuss how Illinois can continue to be a responsible and compassionate leader in these troubling times.”

Indivisible is a grassroots movement of thousands of local groups with a mission to elect progressive leaders, rebuild our democracy and defeat the Trump agenda. The West Suburban Chicago chapter includes about 2,500 members in Brookfield, La Grange, La Grange Park, Western Springs and surrounding communities.

For more information, please get in touch with RepFord@LaShawnFord.com. 

CHICAGO – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will host his annual “Independence Day for Returning Citizens” community event Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Austin Town Hall to call attention to the challenges facing individuals returning from incarceration and to provide free community resources to help impacted residents in moving forward.

Ford will lead a press conference on the subject at 11:30 a.m.

“As we mark our nation’s independence, it’s important to recognize that many residents experience their own personal independence when they return home from incarceration,” Ford said. “Too often these individuals face significant barriers to essential life needs, including job opportunities, healthcare and more. We come together every year on July 3 to advocate for a better, more responsible path forward that eliminates hurdles and refuses to engage in a reckless cycle of permanent punishment.”

Ford’s community event is free, and attendees will be able to access community resources to help with employment, healthcare, reentry services and more. Congressman Danny K. Davis will be honored for his work to help returning citizens, and additional remarks will be provided by keynote speaker Benny Lee and spoken word artist Orion Meadows.

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.