Congressman Krishnamoorthi Joins AFSCME Council 31 to Condemn GOP Budget Cuts Threatening Health Care for Millions

ROSEMONT, IL – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31 members, retirees, and community leaders in Rosemont to condemn the Republican budget reconciliation package recently signed into law by President Donald Trump. The event, part of AFSCME’s national August recess tour, highlighted the devastating consequences of the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which enacted the largest rollback of health coverage in modern U.S. history. Speaking alongside long-term care workers, Medicaid eligibility and SNAP caseworkers, public health employees, and retired public sector workers, Congressman Krishnamoorthi underscored how the new law will strip coverage from millions, destabilize health infrastructure, and threaten the jobs of frontline caregivers—all while giving permanent tax breaks to billionaires.

“This law doesn’t just kick people off their insurance; it kicks them when they’re down,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “It punishes working parents, seniors, and caregivers to reward the ultra-wealthy. I voted no because health care should be a right, not a bargaining chip for billionaires. I’m proud to stand with AFSCME, a union that never stops fighting for working people and the care they deserve.”

Up to 17 million Americans, including as many as 714,000 Illinoisans, could lose health insurance under the law’s provisions, according to nonpartisan estimates. Harsh new Medicaid work requirements are expected to cause coverage loss even among those who are already working or qualify for exemptions, due to bureaucratic barriers and administrative red tape. Meanwhile, the bill’s changes will increase Medicare out-of-pocket costs for low-income seniors and jeopardize public health services, especially in rural and underserved communities.