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While high-income earners are fueling consumer spending, weakness in the labor market, halting business investment, and massive federal budget cuts point to a $2.2 billion budget deficit for the state’s 2027 fiscal year, according to the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, will negatively affect Illinois’ financial trajectory through its devastating Medicaid cuts and changes to the federal tax code.

Amid the past year’s economic upheaval, many Illinoisans have found themselves pinched by higher prices for groceries, housing, and insurance premiums. Illinois hospitals continue to serve as strong economic engines in the communities they serve—generating a $135.5 billion statewide economic impact annually—even as they face similar cost challenges that impact their ability to care for patients. Hospitals also continue to partner with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to ensure FQHC patients have access to needed specialty care.

A bill during the spring session will ask legislators to support Illinois hospitals, FQHCs and the patients who depend on them for lifesaving care. Requiring Big Pharma to pass on drug discount savings to providers, and the pharmacies their patients use, means no taxpayer dollars are needed. For over 30 years, the 340B drug discount program has been key to saving lives and enhancing health. Stand with hospitals and FQHCs for 340B. Learn more.