Rep. Kelly demands Trump administration to unfreeze funds for childcare, social services in Illinois

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration froze $10 billion in federal funds for social services across five states, all led by Democratic governors, including $1 billion for Illinois. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) condemned this decision, which will hurt thousands of children and families.

“At the height of an affordability crisis created by President Trump, he’s decided to attack children. We are talking about hundreds of thousands of little kids whose parents depend on federal childcare so they can go to work and continue to provide for their families,” said Rep. Kelly. “In political retaliation against Democratic-run states, President Trump is once again using undocumented immigrants as a scapegoat to unconstitutionally freeze congressional-allocated funds while providing no evidence of fraud. He’s gone after Americans’ healthcare, SNAP benefits, public safety, and now, childcare. It’s shameful.”

The Department of Health and Human Services froze funds for programs provided through the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Over 152,000 children are served through CCDBG alone.