On Oct. 16, the U.S. Department of Agriculture informed states it will not fund the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program – also known as SNAP – unless the federal government reopens. This means a total of 1.9 million Illinois residents are at risk of losing food assistance benefits starting Nov. 1.

SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food essential to their health and well-being.

Impacts on Illinois

• The lapse could strip benefits from our most vulnerable Illinoisans – from children to older adults to our unhoused population.
  • In Fiscal Year 2025, $4.7 billion in federal SNAP benefits were issued to Illinoisans, supporting over one million households, accounting for 1.9 million individuals total.
  • The state administers more than $350 million in SNAP benefits each month, funding that feeds families in every corner of the state.
• Data from the Food Research and Action Center on SNAP issuance in Illinois indicates that:
  • 44,217 veterans are participating in SNAP
  • 37% SNAP households have older adults
  • 45% SNAP households have children
  • 44% SNAP households have a person with a disability
• SNAP supports more than 18,000 jobs in Illinois, across both the grocery and other supporting industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and municipal services.
  • According to the National Grocer’s Association, SNAP supports nearly $1 billion in Illinois wages. This lapse could have far-reaching consequences for grocery stores and jobs as fewer SNAP dollars circulate in local economies. ​ 

BROADVIEW – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford joined state and local officials and concerned community members to demand the fence around a facility in Broadview housing people accused of being in the country illegally be taken down immediately.

“Broadview is a community that believes in the dignity of every person — regardless of where they were born, what they look like, or what language they speak,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “We believe that no one should live in fear, and no government agency should ever operate beyond the reach of the law or the light of truth.”

Lightford joined Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, among others, calling for the president to order the fence in front of the Broadview ICE facility to be taken down before a court-issued deadline of 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.

The fence was put up about three weeks ago by the Department of Homeland Security right in front of the ICE facility, and the fence is now restricting access to Beach Street. The Village of Broadview took DHS to federal court last week, and a judge agreed the fence must come down because it creates a public safety concern for first responders trying to access the area.

“To ICE — and to the president — hear this clearly: We will not stand by while you build walls to hide human suffering,” said Lightford. “We demand transparency. We demand accountability. And we demand that this fence be removed now.”

BROADVIEW – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford released the following statement regarding ongoing tensions in Broadview:

“I continue to stand in solidarity with the peaceful demonstrators who are gathering to advocate for humane immigration policies and the protection of families in our communities.

“We all firmly hold the same belief: No person should be targeted based upon the color of their skin. Chicago has long been a city that welcomes people of all backgrounds – and we must continue to uphold values of dignity, compassion and due process. Our community is strongest when all people can live without fear. I stand united in demanding justice and respect for the rights of all people.” 

MAYWOOD – Standing alongside Governor JB Pritzker and leaders from Black Men United, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford proudly cut the ribbon on a new affordable housing unit for low-income families in Maywood.

“The new Maywood facility is a building of hope and opportunities for families who will now have a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “The building symbolizes the power of what happens when we invest in our communities and believe in our capacity to create change.”

Lightford secured $2.5 million in state funding through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for Black Men United – a national community service organization that focuses on the restoration and rebuilding of Black communities across America under the leadership of Black men – to purchase the property.

The project includes the rehabilitation and development of housing units that not only meet high-quality living standards but also integrate emerging technologies to promote energy equity and sustainability. It is designed to ensure that residents have access to clean energy solutions and modern infrastructure. Additionally, it focuses on reducing the disproportionate energy burden that low-to-moderate income households often face — in some cases paying up to four times more than their suburban counterparts. This disparity often stems from aging, inefficient housing stock that has not received the investment needed to remain competitive or energy efficient.

“Black Men United has shown us that true leadership is about identifying problems, but also about rolling up your sleeves and building solutions,” said Lightford. “The ribbon cutting represents the culmination of countless hours of hard work, strategic planning and an unshakeable belief that our communities deserve nothing less than excellence.”

Lightford will continue to fight for funding and policies that uplift underserved communities.