Illinois officials warn funding freeze threatens childcare, social services
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — According to the Associated Press, the Donald Trump administration has moved to freeze about $1 billion in federal funding tied to childcare and social service programs in Illinois, citing concerns about fraud and the potential misuse of federal funds.
The action is part of a broader freeze affecting roughly $10 billion across Illinois, California, Colorado, New York and Minnesota, federal officials said. The administration said additional verification is required before funds are released because of ongoing investigations into alleged improper spending in similar programs in other states. Funding will remain on hold pending further review.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said the freeze could place thousands of Illinois families at risk by interrupting support for childcare and social services that help parents work and ensure children receive care.
“Rather than making life easier and more affordable for our families, Donald Trump is stripping away childcare from Illinois families who are just trying to go to work,” Pritzker said in a statement Tuesday. “Thousands of parents and children depend on these childcare programs to help them make ends meet, and now their livelihoods are being put at risk.”
According to the governor’s office, the freeze affects funding distributed through the Child Care and Development Block Grant, Social Services Block Grant and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs. State officials said those programs support subsidized childcare, provider licensing and oversight, and a range of human service organizations.
“This is wrong, it is cruel, and we will take every step possible to defend the kids and families depending on all of us right now,” Pritzker said.
Illinois officials said the state has not experienced the level of fraud cited by federal officials and warned the delay could have immediate consequences. State leaders estimate about 100,000 Illinois families and more than 150,000 children rely on the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program, which is partially funded through the affected grants.
Illinois officials said they are awaiting further guidance from federal agencies as the situation develops.
