CHICAGO—Thanks to the state budget and Medicaid omnibus package, now signed into law, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, is making sure that real help gets to those who need it most and that the critical services Washington is trying to cut continue to function.

“With the recent closure of West Suburban Hospital, the need for enhanced safety measures at our local healthcare facilities has never been more pressing. Loretto Hospital and other institutions on Chicago’s West Side are now under increased pressure to provide essential services to our communities,” said Ford. “The signing of this bill is a crucial step in ensuring our hospitals can operate safely and effectively, safeguarding both healthcare workers and patients. We must prioritize support for these vital facilities as they navigate these challenges and continue to serve our community.”

Through House Bill 111 and Senate Bill 3365, which enact the FY 27 state budget and a slate of changes to Medicaid respectively, Ford is helping to support our most critical safety-net healthcare institutions by:

• Providing nearly $100 million in the state budget to help families afford groceries and put food on the table. The funds will go to creating FRESH, which is a new program that will provide families that lost their SNAP benefits a one-time credit of $500 to make sure no one goes hungry while they try to comply with new federal guidelines and continue to receive their benefits.

• Maintaining funding and support for local healthcare institutions. The state budget fully funds our safety-net hospitals and provides an additional $10 million in funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers.

• Keeping our hospitals open. The Medicaid-focused legislation creates the Distressed Hospital Loan Program, which provides interest-free cash-flow loans to nonprofit and public hospitals in distress so they don’t have to close their doors prematurely.

Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 111 and Senate Bill 3365 into law on Tuesday.

CHICAGO – On Monday, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, convened a press conference at Rush  University Medical Center to highlight new research on overdose prevention sites (centers) and encourage the  establishment of an overdose prevention site on the city’s West Side. 

“Opioid abuse has hurt countless communities and families in our state, and it’s up to us to take a  comprehensive and compassionate approach to save lives now,” said Rep. Ford. “Overdose prevention sites  help those suffering make it through their worst days and get the help they need.” 

Ford, who is sponsoring House Bill 2929—legislation to authorize a state-sanctionedoverdose prevention site pilot program in Illinois—hosted the press conference alongside local elected officials, researchers, public health experts and community leaders from the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force to raise awareness about the need for an overdose prevention site.

“As chair of the Chicago City Council’s Committee on Health and Human Relations, I am proud to be working alongside legislators, organizers and community leaders to bring awareness to the people of Chicago about the life-saving potential of overdose prevention and recovery services,” said Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez.

Ford’s bill would authorize the state to create an overdose prevention site using funds from the Illinois Opioid  Remediation Advisory Board, which manages a portion of the state’s opioid settlement funds from litigation  against opioid manufacturers. Ford hopes the site will be established on the West Side, which has recorded the  highest number of fatal and nonfatal overdoses in recent years 

“The opioid crisis has deeply affected our West Side and Near North communities, tearing apart families and  undermining the fabric of our neighborhoods,” said Rep. Morris. “We must prioritize public health approaches  to addiction and substance use, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and support they need to heal  and recover.” 

Experts from the Brown University School of Public Health presented new research to provide the public with  greater insight into the impact of overdose prevention centers. A study examining the business impact of New  York City overdose prevention centers found no decrease in foot traffic or sales in the surrounding area. Recent  work from New York City has also shown no drop in property values or neighborhood rents around the  overdose prevention center after it opened. 

“Overdose prevention centers are evidence-based public health interventions that have been shown to reduce  overdose deaths, connect people to lifesaving services like treatment, housing and healthcare, and reduce the  spread of infectious disease,” said Professor Alexandria Macmadu and Abdullah Shihipar of the Brown  University School of Public Health. “These centers save lives and improve the health and well-being of the  community and are backed by a wealth of research. You can learn more about the research supporting the  efficacy of these sites at opcinfo.org.” 

Additional findings included a 10% reduction in citywide overdose deaths in a study of Vancouver’s first  overdose prevention center, with even greater reductions in overdose deaths among populations located closer  to the sites. In addition, results from another study from Sydney found a significant reduction in calls to  emergency services, freeing up critical resources. The research is clear that overdose prevention sites save lives  and they do not decrease the quality of life for nearby residents.

CHICAGO – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, is partnering with local public health organizations, elected
officials, and researchers from Brown University to highlight new research on the efficacy of overdose prevention sites
(centers) in reducing preventable overdose deaths and improving public health outcomes.

“Although some of the most notorious open-air drug markets are on the West Side of Chicago, the problem does not stay
local. That’s why a majority of West Side residents support overdose prevention sites, which are grounded in scientific
evidence and help reduce harm,” said Ford. “Opioid abuse has devastated families in every region, and it’s up to us to take
a smart, public-health-driven, and compassionate approach to tackling this issue.”

Ford, who is sponsoring House Bill 2929—legislation to authorize a state-sanctioned overdose prevention site pilot
program in Illinois—is partnering with researchers from Brown University, a public health expert from Rush University,
community leaders from the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force, and other local elected officials to highlight the need
for overdose prevention sites at a press conference on May 11 at Rush University Medical Center.  

The pilot program will be kick-started with an $18 million allocation from the Illinois Opioid Remediation Advisory
Board, which manages a portion of the state’s opioid settlement funds from litigation against opioid manufacturers, with
additional support and oversight provided by relevant state agencies.  

Simply put: these centers save lives—whether it’s through on-site medical staff reversing overdoses before they become
fatal or a social worker connecting an individual to a service provider,” said Ford. “While they alone cannot cure someone
of addiction, they save lives by meeting people where they are and treating them like patients instead of criminals.”

CHICAGO – In response to a letter received by Fraternité Notre Dame’s leadership from the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) informing them of its decision to terminate their working relationship, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, issued the following statement:

“As we navigate the challenges that have emerged in our community programs, it is imperative that we prioritize the dignity and equitable treatment of every individual we serve. I believe we must work collaboratively to address these compliance issues head-on and ensure that our services reflect the values of diversity, inclusion, and respect for all.

“Together, we can rebuild trust and enhance our community’s access to vital resources, reaffirming our commitment to safety and support for every neighbor. I am hopeful that through focused efforts, we can restore and improve services in a way that uplifts all members of our community.

“I cannot support an agency that I know acts in a discriminatory manner. I urge the agency to act immediately to address the concerns raised by the Chicago Food Depository. It is crucial that we strengthen and expand support for other food pantries on the West Side. I am strongly opposed to the treatment maintained by this organization and its effects on our community.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, advanced a proposal out of a House committee Tuesday that would give voters an opportunity to institute a 3% surtax on income over $1 million and deliver billions to schools and homeowners in property tax relief.

“This would be a meaningful step forward to strengthen our schools, make life more affordable and ensure our state can continue to be a great place to take root in and succeed,” Ford said. “We’ve already seen support from residents in similar ballot advisory questions, it’s time to put working families first and make this change a reality.”

At a press conference held Monday in support of the amendment, former Governor Pat Quinn criticized Illinois’ regressive tax code, saying it disproportionately hurts working- and middle-class families. He said, “Illinois has an unfair tax code—one of the worst in the country. It’s an upside-down system that gives tax breaks to millionaires while placing higher property taxes on everyday people trying to stay in their homes or buy one.”

Ford on Tuesday led committee passage of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment (HJRCA) 21. The proposed amendment would implement an additional 3% surtax on the portion of an individual taxpayer’s net income over $1 million. Of the revenue collected, 50% would be used for property tax relief and 50% would be distributed to school districts on a per pupil basis.

Based on data from the state’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA), a 3% surtax based on 2023 return data would have generated $2.2 billion. COGFA data also shows that the state added more than 12,000 new millionaires from 2016 through 2023.

“Illinois is a great place to succeed, and we want to open more doors for more people,” Ford said. “This amendment would make Illinois stronger and put us on a better path forward. Let’s give voters a voice this fall.”   

HJRCA 21 now moves to the full House for consideration.

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

SPRINGFIELD – To help reduce the property tax burden on Illinois residents, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, is spearheading an effort to levy an additional 3% income tax on those who make more than $1 million annually.

“As prices continue to rise and our economy reels from federal policies, it is critical for the state to use its authority to ease the tax burden on our residents,” said Ford. “Voters in 2014 and 2024 supported nonbinding versions of this question, and I’m confident they will support a binding version this year.”

Ford’s House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 26 would bring the question of whether those earning more than $1 million annually should pay an additional 3% in income taxes to voters. If approved in the upcoming general election, the Illinois Constitution would be amended.

According to the nonpartisan Illinois Economic Policy Institute, the additional 3% tax would generate about $4 billion in state revenue and reduce property tax bills by up to 20% each year.

“Illinois has one of the most regressive tax structures in the nation, with lower-income households feeling a disproportionate tax burden,” said Ford. “It’s time for millionaires to pay their fair share and for the state to provide real relief to working families.”

At a recent press conference in support of the amendment, former Gov. Pat Quinn said, “This is a way for everyday people to have an affordability amendment on the ballot that they can vote for and send instructions to all the politicians in Illinois that we need property tax relief right now.”

SPRINGFIELD – To help protect student loan borrowers amid rising uncertainty and a rapidly increasing cost of living, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, is moving forward with a measure that eliminates punitive rules for state employees who default on their student loans.

“At a time when Washington is deprioritizing education and dismantling social safety nets, we cannot sit by while hardworking people lose their livelihoods because of financial hardship,” said Ford. “The law as it is written today disproportionately harms lower-income state employees and undermines the government’s ability to recover repayment when those in default lose their jobs.”

Ford’s House Bill 4687 passed the House with unanimous support from Democrats and Republicans, reflecting a shared understanding of the harm caused by the current law, which stems from the more than 30-year-old Education Loan Default Act.

Between 2009 and 2025, the cost of attending a public university in Illinois has risen more than 66%, placing additional strain on students and families.

In addition, according to research from The Century Foundation, the share of borrowers facing default is projected to rise from about 9.2% in 2019 to 25% in 2026. Ford’s measure would provide relief by ending the practice of terminating state employees who fall into default.

“The current law does not make sense,” said Ford. “If someone is struggling to pay a bill, taking away their job only makes it harder for them to pay it. I’m proud to see this common-sense measure advance, and I will continue to fight for real relief and affordability for my residents.”

House Bill 4687 passed the House on Tuesday and now awaits committee assignment in the Senate. 

CHICAGO – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, issued the following statement Wednesday as West Suburban Medical Center unexpectedly began resuming some outpatient services:

“I lack confidence in the current situation. While I hope to see some services resume for patients, the evolving circumstances necessitate clear and responsible oversight from the state. Patient safety is paramount, and any reopening should involve appropriate agencies, including the Illinois Department of Public Health. It is crucial that this process be a community-led effort, ensuring that the voices and needs of our patients and community members are prioritized as we work together toward a safe and effective reopening.”

“We need to make sure that the state has authorized Resilience Health and Dr. Manoj Prasad to reopen West Suburban Medical Center, and that there is a clear operational plan and assurance that all safety and operational procedures are in place to ensure compliance with state regulatory requirements and patient safety standards. Patient safety is the priority.

“I remain hopeful that West Suburban Medical Center can pursue a stable, sustainable and permanent path forward that puts our patients and community first.”

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

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.”