ILLINOIS — A group of roughly two dozen protesters gathered outside the U.S. District Courthouse in Downtown Peoria to push back against proposed changes to Medicaid and SNAP funding, demanding that lawmakers protect critical services for low-income residents.
The demonstration specifically targeted U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, a Republican from Peoria, and vocal supporter of federal spending reductions championed by former President Donald Trump’s administration.
Concerns Over Impact on Health and Food Access
Protesters, many affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), voiced concern that budget-driven cuts to programs like Medicaid could put lives at risk.
“It’s changing, and if it changes, it’s going to ruin lives and people will die,” said Tonja Evans, a union spokesperson and rally participant. “We have to go to every rally and let them know our voice must be heard — hands off our Medicaid.”
As reported by CIProud, the White House and its Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have cited concerns over fraud and waste, prompting the push to review and potentially trim spending on Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP.
LaHood Responds: ‘The Narrative Is False’
In a written statement, Rep. LaHood disputed the idea that vulnerable groups are being targeted.
“The narrative that House Republicans are cutting Medicaid and SNAP benefits for those who need them is absolutely false,” he said. “To preserve these programs for generations, we must eliminate waste and abuse in federal spending.”
LaHood emphasized that efforts are underway to improve transparency and ensure resources are directed toward rural and underserved communities.
Protesters Also Slam Immigration Raids
In addition to concerns about healthcare and food assistance, demonstrators criticized LaHood’s support for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency’s increased enforcement actions nationwide.
LaHood defended the agency’s mission, stating:
“ICE agents are on the frontlines combating human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illegal immigration — threats that put families at risk. I will continue to advocate for policies that empower agents to do their jobs.”
Organizers Say They Won’t Stay Silent
Rally leaders vowed to continue staging protests across Central Illinois.
“We want to make noise. We don’t want to be quiet,” Evans said. “We have to fight for our rights for Medicaid.”
Congress continues to negotiate potential changes to federal aid programs, which are expected to be addressed in the administration’s upcoming federal budget plan — dubbed the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”
Do you rely on Medicaid or SNAP? How would proposed changes affect you or your family? Share your thoughts at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
