IMPACT OF THE BIG UGLY BILL
Tracking the Impact of the Republican Budget Bill (Passed July 3rd)
This page is dedicated to providing accurate, up-to-date information on the effects of the Republican budget bill passed on July 3rd. As the consequences of this legislation unfold, we will continue to expand this page with verified reports and data reflecting its real-world impact.
Statement: Northern Illinois Food Bank responds to Senate approval of bill cutting SNAP
Congress passed the “Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which includes nearly $200 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These cuts implemented through increased work requirements, cost-shifting to states, and limits on benefit adjustments, will significantly reduce access to food assistance and increase demand on charitable food systems already stretched thin. For Illinois alone, the cost burden could exceed $1.2 billion annually.
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Northern Illinois Food Bank is disappointed by this development. History shows that when SNAP benefits are reduced, demand at our Food Bank can soar by as many as 60,000 to 80,000 additional neighbors each month seeking food assistance.  Compounding the issue, our Food Bank expects a 40% drop in federal food and funding, creating a $3–$4 million gap.