Potential Medicaid, SNAP cuts could derail American education system

Illinois' "trigger law" could also lead to over 700,000 adults losing Medicaid coverage if federal reimbursement rates drop below 90%.

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Illinois News Connection

CHICAGO - As Congress considers federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP food assistance, groups advocating for Illinois schools are speaking out on how it would affect students across the state and the education system at large.

They said budget cuts would have both direct and indirect effects, from student eligibility to school reimbursements for things like meals and health screenings, and straining the state budget as well.

Jessica Handy, executive director of Stand for Children Illinois, highlighted the importance of students having access to health care and food, linking it to issues like chronic absenteeism, which has recently spiked in Illinois.

"These things really are all interconnected," Handy explained. "It's not that kids can show up to school hungry, show up to school with some severe chronic health issues and not have treatment and then be able to sit there and learn as if those things didn't happen."

She stressed implementing stricter qualifying requirements for Medicaid would reduce the number of students with health coverage and school funding from Medicaid reimbursements.

Handy pointed out changes in school-based Medicaid reimbursements like expanding coverage to include therapy services and vision screenings are now a significant funding source for schools. Illinois' "trigger law" could also lead to over 700,000 adults losing Medicaid coverage if federal reimbursement rates drop below 90%, potentially affecting school staff.

"If the Legislature comes back into session and wants to change that trigger law, then we have another really expensive budget pressure that leaves fewer flexible dollars to fund our schools," Handy observed.

Handy noted potentially shifting SNAP benefit costs to states could also jeopardize school funding. Although Illinois' 2025 legislative session has adjourned, she emphasized lawmakers would have to come back this year if federal budget cuts are implemented to rework the state budget, with the uncertainty further compounding matters.

"Schools can't budget and plan effectively for programs throughout the school year when they're not sure what the impact's going to be," Handy added. "It leaves everybody in a kind of gray area that's not good for stability and not good for really being able to focus on programs, instead of on logistics and keeping the doors open."

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Illinois becomes the first state to restrict federal access to autism-related data

One in 31 children in the U.S. is diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Illinois News Connection

CHICAGO - Illinois is the first state to block the federal government from accessing state data on autism.

The order, signed by Gov. JB Pritzker last week, is in response to federal efforts to create a mass data collection on autism.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to use Medicare and Medicaid data to create an autism registry with the goal of finding the cause of what he called an "autism epidemic." Pritzker's order prohibits the collection in Illinois without consent from an individual or guardian.

Federal agencies said they would protect sensitive health information.

Jeff Chan, associate professor of special education at Northern Illinois University, said along with concerns about accidental disclosure of protected health information, right now there is no single cause or cure for autism and he is skeptical a database could change it

"I don't even know if we will ever find that one, single cause," Chan acknowledged. "There's a variety of factors in play on the genetic side and the environmental side that are all affecting parents and mothers and children, which eventually lead to the expression of those symptoms."

Federal agencies said they would protect sensitive health information. More than a dozen autism organizations and advocates are pushing back against the planned database and any rhetoric claiming autism is "curable" or is caused by vaccines.

One in 31 children in the U.S. is diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. Chan noted in Illinois the rate increased from one in 333 children in 2002 to one in 51 children in 2023. He added while cases are rising, the numbers are also influenced by earlier diagnosis and improved data collection.

Chan emphasized the importance of oversight of data and interpretation and cautioned about the potential for drawing conclusions from incomplete information or cherry-picking evidence.

"Anyone could collect data and they can interpret it differently, and they can spin it differently," Chan stressed. "That happens all the time. And that's happened in the past, especially about the causes of autism."

Chan advised caution regarding individuals with extreme theories. He acknowledged the difficulty parents and caregivers face in evaluating information and the importance of institutions to help navigate the evidence.

"There's people out there that, for whatever reason, are true believers about a particular narrative about autism," Chan explained. "You have to be a very careful consumer about what you take in and what evidence you choose to believe."

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Public health officials are working to stop the spread of measles, here's what they are up against

Myths have potentially contributed to more than 900 measles cases reported across the country. Public health officials are working to combat misinformation surrounding vaccines in an effort to curb the spread.

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Illinois News Connection

CHICAGO - At least two people have tested positive for measles in Illinois and public health officials are working to combat misinformation surrounding vaccines in an effort to curb the spread.

Health officials said the measles virus is highly infectious and especially concerning for babies and young children, as well as people who are pregnant or have compromised immune systems. It can cause pneumonia, brain damage and even be fatal in some cases.

Dr. Kiran Joshi, interim chief operating officer at the Cook County Department of Public Health, said it is also preventable through vaccination, with two doses of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine providing nearly 100% lifelong protection.

"Ninety-seven percent of people who got measles this year happened to be unvaccinated," Joshi pointed out. "Vaccination is incredibly protective."

Joshi added over the past 50 years, the measles vaccine has saved more than 150 million lives across the world. He noted the department has launched a campaign to counter some of the misinformation that is circulating.

Public health officials are focusing campaign efforts on unvaccinated people. Joshi explained it includes having multiple conversations with hesitant patients and providing evidence-backed information. He stressed misinformation about preventive measures like taking vitamin A is concerning and not scientifically proven.

"There are a lot of myths out there, such as 'vaccines can cause autism,'" Joshi pointed out. "I want to state categorically that is incorrect, that there's no credible evidence to support that, yet these myths continue to perpetuate."

Joshi added the myths have potentially contributed to more than 900 measles cases reported across the country.

"When you look at the research, when you look at the evidence, all of that has been subjected to pretty rigorous standards," Joshi outlined. "We also go to the nature of science, that you have to be able to repeat studies. You have to look at the research as a whole, instead of sort of cherry-picking."

He advised anyone with questions to speak with their primary care provider about their vaccine records and ensure they are getting any health information from reputable source.

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Small farms disproportionately impacted by extreme heat according to recent study

Researchers say there's no silver bullet for mitigating the effects of heat stress on herds.

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Illinois News Connection

CHICAGO - A new study shows how extreme weather conditions negatively affect production yields on Midwest dairy farms, with a disproportionate impact on smaller farms.

Researchers at the University of Illinois studied milk production records from nine Midwest dairy farmers. Considering both temperature and humidity when measuring extreme heat, they found farms lose about 1% of milk yield annually because of heat stress, while smaller farms lose closer to 2%.

Marin Skidmore, study co-author, said when cows are in extreme heat, it can cause increased restlessness and risk of infection, and decreased appetite, which reduces milk yield and impacts bottom lines.

"To some extent, it's only 1.6%. But if you're really making every dollar from your paycheck count, because you're living in a time with high costs, then 1.6% of your paycheck being gone in a given year is meaningful," she said.

The study predicts extreme heat days to be much more frequent in years to come and milk yield losses to increase about 30% in the next 25 years.

The Midwest tends to have smaller dairy farms compared with other states, with herds ranging from 100 to 200 cows. Researchers say being able to track and compare daily milk yields across a large region with similar climates has never been done before. Skidmore said their findings suggest that larger herds seem to have some level of protection to extreme heat compared with smaller farms, which start to see impacts of heat stress at lower thresholds.

"And this is additionally concerning in the context that we're studying because we've seen a lot of dairy farm exits over the last decade or two, and many of those are small farms," she added.

While researchers say there's no silver bullet for mitigating the effects of heat stress on herds, recommendations include adjusting feeding and calving timing, and using sprinklers and improved ventilation systems.

Skidmore emphasized the need for additional support for small farms since capital costs can be particularly constraining.

"Having the access to enough capital to make these really big investments is difficult, and grants or loans to help small farms adopt some of these management technologies could be one avenue to help small farms cope with heat stress and keep them competitive," she continued.

Skidmore said more research is also needed to explore other options to best manage extreme heat on dairy farms.

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Potential NOAA cuts spell trouble for IL weather warnings

This weekend, a violent storm cell producing a tornado that raced along a 12 mile track just south of Champaign-Urbana. Fortunately, nobody was injured, but area saw damage to buildings and powerlines. Without NOAA warnings preceeding major storms like this, many will suffer without the warnings of severe weather.

Photo: NOAA/Unsplash

In addition to short-term storm predictions, like for the storm passing through Central Illinois on Sunday, data from NOAA helps farmers understand what to plant and when to harvest.

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Illinois News Connection

CHICAGO - One of many federal agencies facing cuts by the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and in states like Illinois with plenty of extreme weather events, scientists said the cuts could threaten people's safety.

NOAA employees are bracing for expected layoffs of up to 20%, or more than 1,000 jobs. Among other roles, NOAA's National Weather Service provides data used by most weather forecasters, including for warnings and advisories.

Bernadette Woods Placky, chief meteorologist and vice president of engagement for Climate Central, explained why NOAA data is critical.

"Because of NOAA data, we know when to evacuate ahead of storms, fires," Woods Placky outlined. "We know when not to evacuate, which is also really critical, because that saves a lot of money and a lot of time."

Just this week, Illinois saw severe rain and snowstorms, high winds and tornado and fire warnings. Woods Placky added beyond short-term predictions, data from NOAA helps farmers understand what to plant and when to harvest, especially as crop hardiness zones shift due to climate change.

NOAA's climate and storm data dates back to 1950 and goes beyond U.S. borders. Woods Placky emphasized unstable governments can interrupt data gathering.

"When you get that gap in the data, it invalidates the long-term datasets," Woods Placky pointed out. "You can't carry it with the same weight to tease out longer-term trends to keep people safe and prepared on longer-term shifts that we're seeing."

She added global groups also use NOAA's data, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the United Nations.

Some argued services NOAA offers can instead be privatized.

David Dickson, TV engagement coordinator for the nonprofit Covering Climate Now, said it shows a misunderstanding.

"To argue against NOAA not being useful because we have private companies offering weather apps would be to argue against farmers because we have grocery stores," Dickson underscored. "It really does fund the invisible backbone of virtually everything we consume."

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Immigration courts offer many barriers and too few solutions to a complex process

Garcia noted it is a misconception most immigrants speak Spanish. She has heard many other languages, from Arabic to Creole to Mandarin.

courtroom

Photo: Saúl Bucio/Unsplash

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Illinois News Connection

CHICAGO - As the Trump administration's deportation efforts continue, more people find themselves in immigration court.

Immigration law is complicated, and most immigrants who navigate the court system do so by themselves.

Kelly Garcia, a reporter for Injustice Watch who covers immigration courts in Chicago, said the lack of legal representation and language barriers add to the complexity. Garcia noted almost no one she has encountered in the Chicago court speaks English, yet all the signs and case sheets are in English. Many show up late or miss their hearings because of it.

"If you miss your court hearing, the judge can order your removal," Garcia pointed out. "These barriers have very serious consequences for people - and it's very sad, honestly. It's very sad to witness that."

Garcia noted it is a misconception most immigrants speak Spanish. She has heard many other languages, from Arabic to Creole to Mandarin and said most people do not know they need to request a court interpreter in advance of their hearing or risk having their case delayed. Those who show up late or not at all could be immediately removed from the country.

Research shows those with legal representation fare better in court. But people in immigration court do not have the right to an attorney if they cannot afford one. The burden of proof, to show they were charged incorrectly or request temporary relief through asylum, falls on them.

Groups like the National Immigrant Justice Center and Legal Aid Chicago are on-site to help address some gaps. As the daughter of an immigrant, Garcia emphasized she can relate to the range of emotions she sees in court.

"It just feels very personal to me, because I know how it impacted my mom," Garcia recounted. "I know how hard and difficult that was for her and I also recognize that it's only gotten harder for a lot of people, especially for people who have migrated [from] very dangerous conditions, here."

Garcia added she has seen many people come to the U.S. for reasons beyond their control. She said her time covering the immigration court has prompted her to work on creating an "explainer" story to help answer the many questions she hears from defendants every day.

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Illinois needs juvenile-justice reform, a proposed bill protects children's rights and safety

Research shows any length of detention has a poor outcome for children, especially those of color, and unnecessarily costs the state tens of millions of dollars each year.

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Illinois News Connection

CHICAGO - A recent report is highlighting the need for a complete overhaul of the Illinois juvenile justice system. It called for a renewed rehabilitative focus while prioritizing the rights, needs and safety of children, which it argued is sorely lacking across the board.

The report by the Illinois Juvenile Justice Initiative found the majority of juvenile detention centers fail to meet even basic standards to keep children safe, which has opened counties up to lawsuits.

Katherine Buchanan, a consultant for the Illinois Juvenile Justice Initiative and the report's author, said the current state-subsidized, county-run model incentivizes the jailing of children and does not provide an ultimate authority on oversight, begging the question of why and how the state jails children.

"The timing is right to really look at when and why children are detained, and how we can really focus the use of detention on those most critical cases," Buchanan contended.

Buchanan pointed out research shows any length of detention has a poor outcome for children, especially those of color, and unnecessarily costs the state tens of millions of dollars each year.

The report found gaps across all centers in behavioral services and education, disciplinary actions and the use of solitary confinement. Overall, children of color are disproportionately impacted, coming into contact with the legal system at much higher rates than their white peers, even when they commit the same offenses.

Buchanan explained how childhood trauma increases the risk of delinquency in adolescents, and detention only serves to retraumatize an already at-risk population while compounding long-term consequences.

"Even short periods in detention can harm children in terms of their educational attainment, their ability to reengage in school, their mental health and also in terms of their long-term future earnings," Buchanan outlined.

The report called for legislation prioritizing community-based efforts and using detention as a last resort. A new bill was introduced last month to initiate efforts for juvenile justice reform across the state and largely mirrors the suggested solutions outlined in the report.

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CAFOs on the rise in Illinois, large scale operations putting pressure on small farmers

Chad Wallace sells his product locally to get the best prices. Many farmers in his position are left discouraged by the difficulties they face in going against the industrial ag industry practices.

baby pigs

Concentrated animal feeding operations, also known as CAFO, in Illinois are hurting small farmers and possibly the environment due underregulation by the state.
Photo: Emilian Robert Vicol/Pixabay
by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Illinois News Connection

CHICAGO - Illinois is known for having some of the weakest environmental laws for concentrated animal feeding operations, with a lack of oversight and public transparency for the entire process. A coalition of rural landowners is working to change it.

In Illinois, it is estimated there are more than 21,000 concentrated animal feeding operations.

Chad Wallace, director of rural affairs for the Illinois Environmental Council, works with the Illinois Livestock Reform Coalition, which has about 70 members across states. They are trying to come up with legislative solutions for the growing concerns of landowners who have been affected by them.

"The industry is basically embedded," Wallace acknowledged. "It is very hard for folks to go up against something that is so broad and so organized."

Nearly all applications submitted in Illinois over the past decade have been approved. Wallace pointed out several attempts to introduce legislation to increase regulation have failed, with the most recent in 2019 for a proposed moratorium on lagoons being used for holding confinement waste.

More than 90% of animals raised for agriculture in the U.S. come from concentrated animal feeding operations, yet environmental advocates argued the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is unaware of the locations of the majority of operations, making it difficult to regulate them and account for their environmental impact.

Illinois State Graphic
Wallace, who grew up in a farming family, raises beef, pork and lamb and has been approached by people wanting to construct operations on his land. He declined but noted it came with a cost.

"One of the struggles is constantly having to build the value of your product due to not being in the industry," Wallace explained.

Wallace sells locally to get the best prices for his products. He added many in his position are left discouraged by the difficulties they face in going against the industrial ag industry. Proponents of concentrated animal feeding operations said they are an economic necessity to keep retail prices of meat, milk and eggs affordable for consumers, and are crucial to the viability of rural communities.

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